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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Las Vegas, NV

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

3.7% Las Vegas, NV is cheaper overall
6.7% 6.7% more expensive housing
3.8% 3.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 6.7% more
Chicago
105
Las Vegas
112
🛒 Groceries 3.8% cheaper
Chicago
104
Las Vegas
100
🚗 Transportation 8.8% cheaper
Chicago
114
Las Vegas
104
🏥 Healthcare 4.9% cheaper
Chicago
103
Las Vegas
98
⚡ Utilities 3.0% cheaper
Chicago
101
Las Vegas
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Las Vegas, NV Difference
Overall Cost Index1071033.7% less
Housing1051126.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,35020.6% less
Median Home Price$310,000$380,00022.6% more
Groceries1041003.8% less
Transportation1141048.8% less
Healthcare103984.9% less
Utilities101983.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Las Vegas, NV
State Income Tax4.95%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.85%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.48%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
Las Vegas, NV
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Las Vegas costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Las Vegas (103). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Las Vegas5.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Las Vegas3.0%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Las VegasHospitality, Entertainment, Construction

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Las Vegas25 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Las Vegas41
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Las Vegas52
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Las Vegas68°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Las Vegas646,790

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Chicago vs Austin → Chicago vs Denver → Chicago vs Nashville → Las Vegas vs Raleigh → Las Vegas vs Portland → Las Vegas vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Las Vegas cheaper to live in?+
Las Vegas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 6.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Las Vegas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,350/month in Las Vegas — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Las Vegas?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. Nevada has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.85%. 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 Las Vegas?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $62,000 in Las Vegas. 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 Las Vegas?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $380,000 in Las Vegas — a difference of $70,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Nevada averages 0.48%.