Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Chicago is 15% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,380/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 3%
$75,134/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$74,925/yr ≈ Same
$315,200 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 57%
$1,502/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 7%
2,707,648
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $209/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Chicago or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $37/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $209/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Utah?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Salt Lake City

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Salt Lake City vs. Columbus Salt Lake City vs. Little Rock Salt Lake City vs. Worcester Salt Lake City vs. McKinney Salt Lake City vs. Cape Coral Salt Lake City vs. Augusta