Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Greenville is 11% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $66,589 in Greenville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Greenville sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $250,000 in Greenville, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,200 in Greenville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Greenville scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than Greenville (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $48,912 in Greenville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Greenville.
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