Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Chicago is 16% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $62,695 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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