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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Chicago is 71% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,380/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 122%
$75,134/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 142%
$315,200 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 476%
$1,502/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 101%
2,707,648
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,685/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $20,220/year.

Median household income is $106,728/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Chicago or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,685/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $106,728/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

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