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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Los Angeles, CA

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

27.1% Los Angeles, CA is more expensive overall
69.5% 69.5% 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 69.5% more
Chicago
105
Los Angeles
178
🛒 Groceries 5.8% more
Chicago
104
Los Angeles
110
🚗 Transportation 9.6% more
Chicago
114
Los Angeles
125
🏥 Healthcare 8.7% more
Chicago
103
Los Angeles
112
⚡ Utilities 4.0% more
Chicago
101
Los Angeles
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Los Angeles, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10713627.1% more
Housing10517869.5% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$2,50047.1% more
Median Home Price$310,000$880,000183.9% more
Groceries1041105.8% more
Transportation1141259.6% more
Healthcare1031128.7% more
Utilities1011054.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Los Angeles, CA
State Income Tax4.95%13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Los Angeles outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Los Angeles (136). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Los Angeles5.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Los Angeles2.5%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Los Angeles33 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Los Angeles67
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Los Angeles62
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Los Angeles66°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Los Angeles3,898,747

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?+
Chicago is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 69.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Los Angeles?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $2,500/month in Los Angeles — a difference of about $800 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Los Angeles?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Los Angeles?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $95,000 in Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $880,000 in Los Angeles — a difference of $570,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while California averages 0.71%.