Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Rochester is 12% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $65,888 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $155,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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