Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Chicago is 7% more affordable than Eugene. A $75,000 salary in Eugene is equivalent to $69,783 in Chicago.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Eugene sits at 130 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $380,000 in Eugene, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,400 in Eugene.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while Eugene scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than Eugene (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $49,448 in Eugene. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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