Quick answer
Chicago is 87% cheaper than Los Angeles overall. A $100K salary in Chicago is equivalent to $187,000 in Los Angeles.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Chicago vs Los Angeles 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 87% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+30% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$187,000
Chicago vs Los Angeles: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,850/mo
$2,400/mo
+30%
2BR median rent
$2,350/mo
$3,200/mo
+36%
Median home price
$340K
$850K
+150%
Avg monthly groceries
$390
$440
+13%
Avg monthly utilities
$155
$140
-10%
State income tax
4.95%
Up to 13.3%
Chicago saves
Walk score
78/100
68/100
Chicago better
Transit score
65/100
53/100
Chicago better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of living as your current Chicago salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$112,000
$32,000
$80,000
$149,000
$43,000
$100,000
$187,000
$54,000
$120,000
$224,000
$64,000
$150,000
$280,000
$80,000
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 Los Angeles
Who Each City Is Best For
Chicago is best for
- ✓urban explorers
- ✓foodies
- ✓architecture lovers
- ✓transit users
Los Angeles is best for
- ✓entertainment industry workers
- ✓creatives
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓entrepreneurs
FAQs
Is Chicago or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Chicago is 87% cheaper than Los Angeles overall. Chicago 1BR rent ($1,850/mo) vs Los Angeles ($2,400/mo). Median home price: Chicago $340K vs Los Angeles $850K.
How much salary do I need in Los Angeles to match $100K in Chicago?
$187,000 in Los Angeles is equivalent to $100,000 in Chicago based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+30% difference) and state taxes (Chicago: 4.95% vs Los Angeles: Up to 13.3%).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Los Angeles?
1BR: Chicago $1,850/mo vs Los Angeles $2,400/mo (+30%). 2BR: Chicago $2,350/mo vs Los Angeles $3,200/mo (+36%).
Does Chicago or Los Angeles have lower taxes?
Chicago (IL) has 4.95% state income tax. Los Angeles (CA) has Up to 13.3% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$8,350.