Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs West Valley City, UT (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

West Valley City

Utah
109

Chicago is 8% cheaper than West Valley City.

$1,380/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,445/mo ↑ 5%
$75,134/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$88,604/yr ↑ 18%
$315,200 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$377,300 ↑ 20%
$1,502/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,473/mo ↓ 2%
2,707,648
Population
137,955

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and West Valley City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $13,470/year higher in West Valley City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $377,300 in West Valley City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making West Valley City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs West Valley City — common questions

Is Chicago or West Valley City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and West Valley City?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in West Valley City it's $1,445/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or West Valley City?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $88,604 in West Valley City. Median household income is $13,470/year higher in West Valley City.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Utah?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or West Valley City?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,445/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View West Valley City details →

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