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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

San Francisco

California
267

Chicago is 63% cheaper than San Francisco.

$1,380/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,419/mo ↑ 75%
$75,134/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$141,446/yr ↑ 88%
$315,200 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,380,500 ↑ 338%
$1,502/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,620/mo ↑ 74%
2,707,648
Population
836,321

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and San Francisco, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 267 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,039/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $12,468/year.

Median household income is $66,312/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $1,380,500 in San Francisco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs San Francisco — common questions

Is Chicago or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and San Francisco?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in San Francisco it's $2,419/month — a difference of $1,039/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or San Francisco?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $141,446 in San Francisco. Median household income is $66,312/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with rent of $2,419/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View San Francisco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and San Francisco

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