Quick answer
Chicago is 32% cheaper than Boston overall. A $100K salary in Chicago is equivalent to $132,000 in Boston.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Chicago vs Boston Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Chicago is 32% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+41% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$132,000
Chicago vs Boston: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,850/mo
$2,600/mo
+41%
2BR median rent
$2,350/mo
$3,400/mo
+45%
Median home price
$340K
$720K
+112%
Avg monthly groceries
$390
$420
+8%
Avg monthly utilities
$155
$160
+3%
State income tax
4.95%
5%
Chicago saves
Walk score
78/100
83/100
Boston better
Transit score
65/100
75/100
Boston better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Boston to maintain the same standard of living as your current Chicago salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$79,000
$46,000
$80,000
$105,000
$61,000
$100,000
$132,000
$76,000
$120,000
$158,000
$91,000
$150,000
$197,000
$114,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Chicago vs Boston
Who Each City Is Best For
Chicago is best for
- ✓urban explorers
- ✓foodies
- ✓architecture lovers
- ✓transit users
Boston is best for
- ✓biotech / pharma professionals
- ✓academics / researchers
- ✓healthcare workers
- ✓finance professionals
FAQs
Is Chicago or Boston cheaper to live in?
Chicago is 32% cheaper than Boston overall. Chicago 1BR rent ($1,850/mo) vs Boston ($2,600/mo). Median home price: Chicago $340K vs Boston $720K.
How much salary do I need in Boston to match $100K in Chicago?
$132,000 in Boston is equivalent to $100,000 in Chicago based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+41% difference) and state taxes (Chicago: 4.95% vs Boston: 5%).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Boston?
1BR: Chicago $1,850/mo vs Boston $2,600/mo (+41%). 2BR: Chicago $2,350/mo vs Boston $3,400/mo (+45%).
Does Chicago or Boston have lower taxes?
Chicago (IL) has 4.95% state income tax. Boston (MA) has 5% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$50.