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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Boston, MA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

26.2% Boston, MA is more expensive overall
63.8% 63.8% more expensive housing
5.8% 5.8% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 63.8% more
Chicago
105
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries 5.8% more
Chicago
104
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation 3.5% more
Chicago
114
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare 11.7% more
Chicago
103
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities 10.9% more
Chicago
101
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index10713526.2% more
Housing10517263.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$2,60052.9% more
Median Home Price$310,000$700,000125.8% more
Groceries1041105.8% more
Transportation1141183.5% more
Healthcare10311511.7% more
Utilities10111210.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Boston, MA
State Income Tax4.95%9.00% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%1.14%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
Boston, MA
$98,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Boston outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Boston to maintain your Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Boston38
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Boston51°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Boston675,647

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago and Boston → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Boston →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Boston cheaper to live in?+
Chicago is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 63.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $900 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Boston?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) and sales tax of 6.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Chicago to Boston?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $98,000 in Boston. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Chicago vs Boston?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $390,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.