Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Chicago is 16% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $62,695 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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