Chicago, IL vs Toledo, OH

The cost of living difference between Chicago, IL and Toledo, OH is dramatic. Toledo is 54.2% cheaper than Chicago, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Chicago has a cost index of 104 while Toledo sits at 67, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month compared to $880/month in Toledo — a 57% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Toledo is more affordable at $107,000 median vs $315,200.

Median household income in Chicago is $75,134 compared to $47,532 in Toledo (+58.1%). While Chicago is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Chicago spend roughly 22% of their income on rent, less than the 22.2% in Toledo.