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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Sacramento, CA

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

10.3% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
35.2% 35.2% more expensive housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 35.2% more
Chicago
105
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Chicago
104
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Chicago
114
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 4.9% more
Chicago
103
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Chicago
101
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10711810.3% more
Housing10514235.2% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,6502.9% less
Median Home Price$310,000$450,00045.2% more
Groceries104104~Same
Transportation114112~Same
Healthcare1031084.9% more
Utilities101100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Sacramento, 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
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Sacramento costs more but median income is only slightly higher. 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 Sacramento to maintain your Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Sacramento524,943

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Chicago vs Austin → Chicago vs Denver → Chicago vs Nashville → Sacramento vs Raleigh → Sacramento vs Portland → Sacramento vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Chicago is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 35.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Sacramento?+
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 Sacramento?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $78,000 in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $140,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while California averages 0.71%.