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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Miami, FL

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

12.1% Miami, FL is more expensive overall
41.0% 41.0% more expensive housing
2.9% 2.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 41.0% more
Chicago
105
Miami
148
🛒 Groceries 2.9% more
Chicago
104
Miami
107
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Chicago
114
Miami
112
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Chicago
103
Miami
105
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Chicago
101
Miami
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Miami, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index10712012.1% more
Housing10514841.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$2,10023.5% more
Median Home Price$310,000$550,00077.4% more
Groceries1041072.9% more
Transportation114112~Same
Healthcare103105~Same
Utilities101103~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Miami, FL
State Income Tax4.95%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
Miami, FL
$65,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Miami 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 Miami to maintain your Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Miami (120). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Miami4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Miami3.0%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
MiamiTourism, Finance, Real Estate

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Miami30 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Miami78
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Miami35
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Miami77°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Miami449,514

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Miami cheaper to live in?+
Chicago is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 41.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Miami?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $2,100/month in Miami — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Miami?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Miami?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $65,000 in Miami. 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 Miami?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $550,000 in Miami — a difference of $240,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Florida averages 0.80%.