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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs San Diego, CA

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

23.4% San Diego, CA is more expensive overall
60.0% 60.0% more expensive housing
3.8% 3.8% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 60.0% more
Chicago
105
San Diego
168
🛒 Groceries 3.8% more
Chicago
104
San Diego
108
🚗 Transportation 3.5% more
Chicago
114
San Diego
118
🏥 Healthcare 8.7% more
Chicago
103
San Diego
112
⚡ Utilities 3.0% more
Chicago
101
San Diego
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL San Diego, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10713223.4% more
Housing10516860.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$2,30035.3% more
Median Home Price$310,000$820,000164.5% more
Groceries1041083.8% more
Transportation1141183.5% more
Healthcare1031128.7% more
Utilities1011043.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL San Diego, 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
San Diego, CA
$89,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: San Diego 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 San Diego to maintain your Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs San Diego (132). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
San Diego4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
San Diego2.9%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
San DiegoDefense, Biotech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
San Diego25 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
San Diego51
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
San Diego45
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
San Diego64°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
San Diego1,381,611

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Chicago vs Austin → Chicago vs Denver → Chicago vs Nashville → San Diego vs Raleigh → San Diego vs Portland → San Diego vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or San Diego cheaper to live in?+
Chicago is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 60.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs San Diego?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $2,300/month in San Diego — a difference of about $600 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or San Diego?+
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 San Diego?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $89,000 in San Diego. 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 San Diego?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $820,000 in San Diego — a difference of $510,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while California averages 0.71%.