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

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

38.3% San Francisco, CA is more expensive overall
100.0% 100.0% more expensive housing
10.6% 10.6% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 100.0% more
Chicago
105
San Francisco
210
🛒 Groceries 10.6% more
Chicago
104
San Francisco
115
🚗 Transportation 12.3% more
Chicago
114
San Francisco
128
🏥 Healthcare 14.6% more
Chicago
103
San Francisco
118
⚡ Utilities 6.9% more
Chicago
101
San Francisco
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL San Francisco, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10714838.3% more
Housing105210100.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$3,00076.5% more
Median Home Price$310,000$1,250,000303.2% more
Groceries10411510.6% more
Transportation11412812.3% more
Healthcare10311814.6% more
Utilities1011086.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA
$130,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in San Francisco outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in San Francisco to maintain your Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs San Francisco (148). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
San Francisco3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
San Francisco3.2%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
San Francisco34 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
San Francisco87
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
San Francisco42
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
San Francisco57°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
San Francisco808,437

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or San Francisco cheaper to live in?+
Chicago is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 100.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs San Francisco?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $3,000/month in San Francisco — a difference of about $1,300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or San Francisco?+
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 Francisco?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $130,000 in San Francisco. 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 Francisco?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $1,250,000 in San Francisco — a difference of $940,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while California averages 0.71%.