Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Chicago is 19% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $60,795 in Chicago.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Maryland salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Columbia sits at 172 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $430,000 in Columbia, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,900 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while Columbia scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) match Columbia (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $112,738 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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