Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
33% cheaper
Chicago is 33% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $50,156 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 San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $490,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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