Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Las Vegas is 6% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $70,794 in Las Vegas.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Las Vegas sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $350,000 in Las Vegas, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,400 in Las Vegas.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while Las Vegas scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Las Vegas (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $56,415 in Las Vegas. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Las Vegas.
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