Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Chicago is 9% more affordable than Burlington. A $75,000 salary in Burlington is equivalent to $68,008 in Chicago.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Vermont salaries · Illinois salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Burlington has a housing index of 139 while Chicago sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Burlington costs $380,000 compared to $310,000 in Chicago, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Burlington versus $1,700 in Chicago.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Burlington scores 108 while Chicago scores 104.
Healthcare costs in Burlington (116) are higher than Chicago (101).
Median household income in Burlington is $51,098 compared to $62,097 in Chicago. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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