Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
41% cheaper
Chicago is 41% more affordable than San Jose. A $75,000 salary in San Jose is equivalent to $44,093 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 Jose sits at 308 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $1,300,000 in San Jose, a difference of $990,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $3,100 in San Jose.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while San Jose scores 110.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than San Jose (112).
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $117,324 in San Jose. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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