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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Chicago

Illinois
100

San Francisco is 167% more expensive than Chicago.

$2,419/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,380/mo ↓ 43%
$141,446/yr ↑ 88%
Median Income
$75,134/yr ↓ 47%
$1,380,500 ↑ 338%
Home Value
$315,200 ↓ 77%
$2,620/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 43%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Chicago, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,039/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $12,468/year.

Median household income is $66,312/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $315,200 in Chicago.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Chicago — common questions

Is San Francisco or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Chicago?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Chicago it's $1,380/month — a difference of $1,039/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Chicago?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $75,134 in Chicago. Median household income is $66,312/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or Chicago?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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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