Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs San Diego, CA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

San Diego

California
197

Chicago is 97% cheaper than San Diego.

$1,380/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,223/mo ↑ 61%
$75,134/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$104,321/yr ↑ 39%
$315,200 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$848,500 ↑ 169%
$1,502/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,308/mo ↑ 54%
2,707,648
Population
1,385,061

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and San Diego, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $843/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $10,116/year.

Median household income is $29,187/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $848,500 in San Diego.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs San Diego — common questions

Is Chicago or San Diego cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and San Diego?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in San Diego it's $2,223/month — a difference of $843/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or San Diego?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $104,321 in San Diego. Median household income is $29,187/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or San Diego?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while San Diego has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,223/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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