Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Santa Clarita, CA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Chicago is 49% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,380/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 80%
$75,134/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 60%
$315,200 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 129%
$1,502/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 76%
2,707,648
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,106/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $13,272/year.

Median household income is $44,792/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Chicago or Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,106/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $44,792/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

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