Los Angeles, CA vs Chicago, IL

The cost of living difference between Los Angeles, CA and Chicago, IL is dramatic. Chicago is 63.4% cheaper than Los Angeles, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Los Angeles has a cost index of 169 while Chicago sits at 104, 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 Los Angeles is $1,879/month compared to $1,380/month in Chicago — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chicago is more affordable at $315,200 median vs $879,500.

Median household income in Los Angeles is $80,366 compared to $75,134 in Chicago (+7%). Los Angeles does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Los Angeles spend roughly 28.1% of their income on rent, more than the 22% in Chicago.