Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Chicago is 16% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,380/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 24%
$75,134/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 8%
$315,200 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 17%
$1,502/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 11%
2,707,648
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $329/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $3,948/year.

Median household income is $5,873/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Chicago or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $329/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $5,873/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and West Palm Beach

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings