Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Toledo, OH (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Toledo

Ohio
52

Chicago is 92% more expensive than Toledo.

$1,380/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$880/mo ↓ 36%
$75,134/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$47,532/yr ↓ 37%
$315,200 ↑ 195%
Home Value
$107,000 ↓ 66%
$1,502/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$856/mo ↓ 43%
2,707,648
Population
268,461

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Toledo, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 52 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $500/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $6,000/year.

Median household income is $27,602/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $107,000 in Toledo.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Toledo — common questions

Is Chicago or Toledo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Toledo?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Toledo it's $880/month — a difference of $500/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Toledo?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $47,532 in Toledo. Median household income is $27,602/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Ohio?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Toledo?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Toledo has a cost index of 52 with rent of $880/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Toledo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Toledo

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