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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Torrance

California
218

Chicago is 54% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,380/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 60%
$75,134/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 51%
$315,200 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 229%
$1,502/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 53%
2,707,648
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $834/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $10,008/year.

Median household income is $37,971/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Torrance — common questions

Is Chicago or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Torrance?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $834/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Torrance?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $37,971/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Torrance

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco