Chicago, IL vs Santa Rosa, CA: 100 vs 172

$1,380/mo ↓ 34%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 51%

$75,134/yr ↓ 23%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 30%

$315,200 ↓ 54%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 117%

$1,502/mo ↓ 29%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 42%

2,707,648

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $704/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $8,448/year.

Median household income is $22,276/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Chicago or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Chicago and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $704/month.

Which city has higher income, Chicago or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $22,276/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Chicago

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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