Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
36% cheaper
Chicago is 36% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $48,343 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $540,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than Los Angeles (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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