Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Chicago is 3% cheaper than South Fulton.

$1,380/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↑ 16%
$75,134/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↑ 9%
$315,200 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$270,600 ↓ 14%
$1,502/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↑ 3%
2,707,648
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $227/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $2,724/year.

Median household income is $6,664/year higher in South Fulton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Chicago or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and South Fulton?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $227/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or South Fulton?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $6,664/year higher in South Fulton.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Georgia?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View South Fulton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and South Fulton

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