Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Yonkers, NY (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Yonkers

New York
133

Chicago is 25% cheaper than Yonkers.

$1,380/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,730/mo ↑ 25%
$75,134/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$81,816/yr ↑ 9%
$315,200 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$478,000 ↑ 52%
$1,502/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,759/mo ↑ 17%
2,707,648
Population
209,529

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Yonkers, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 133 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $6,682/year higher in Yonkers. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $478,000 in Yonkers.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Yonkers — common questions

Is Chicago or Yonkers cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 133 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Yonkers?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Yonkers it's $1,730/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Yonkers?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $81,816 in Yonkers. Median household income is $6,682/year higher in Yonkers.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New York?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Yonkers?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Yonkers has a cost index of 133 with rent of $1,730/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Yonkers details →

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