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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Chicago

Illinois
100

Los Angeles is 87% more expensive than Chicago.

$1,879/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,380/mo ↓ 27%
$80,366/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$75,134/yr ↓ 7%
$879,500 ↑ 179%
Home Value
$315,200 ↓ 64%
$2,055/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 27%
3,857,897
Population
2,707,648

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Chicago, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $499/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $5,988/year.

Median household income is $5,232/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $315,200 in Chicago.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Chicago — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Chicago?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Chicago it's $1,380/month — a difference of $499/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Chicago?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $75,134 in Chicago. Median household income is $5,232/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Chicago?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Chicago has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,380/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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