Is Chicago, IL cheaper than Atlanta, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 2.0% more expensive than Atlanta, GA. This translates to spending an extra $149 per month.

What salary do I need in Chicago, IL to live like I do in Atlanta, GA?

If you earn $150,000 in Atlanta, GA, you'd need approximately $151,783.019 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Atlanta, GA and Chicago, IL?

Housing in Chicago, IL is 16.8% more expensive than in Atlanta, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Atlanta, GA to Chicago, IL?

Living in Chicago, IL costs approximately $149 more per month than Atlanta, GA, or $1783 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Atlanta, GA

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Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Atlanta, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $149/month more in Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.8K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$149

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$441K

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$305K

Atlanta, GA

The Peach State

499K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Capital of the South
•Delta Air Lines headquarters

Major Industries

TransportationTechnologyFilm ProductionFinance

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Atlanta, GA vs Chicago, IL

Category	Atlanta, GA	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,625/mo	$3,066/mo	↑ $442more	16.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,680/mo	↑ $232more	16.0%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $167less	8.7%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $69.95more	7.3%
⚡All Utilities	$585/mo	$519/mo	↓ $65.57less	11.2%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$595/mo	↑ $6.20more	1.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 16.8%

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$442

🚗Transportation

↑ 16.0%

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$232

📦Other

↓ 8.7%

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$167

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Atlanta, GA

$959

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$69.95

⚡All Utilities

↓ 11.2%

Atlanta, GA

$585

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$65.57

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.1%

Atlanta, GA

$589

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$6.20

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,865

To$1,600

↓ $265

1 Bed

From$1,950

To$1,710

↓ $240

2 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,925

↓ $215

3 Bed

From$2,565

To$2,480

↓ $85.00

Atlanta, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$2,490/mo

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$517

Difference

Home Values

Atlanta

Chicago

$441K

Median Value

$305K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +17.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$202K - $1.46M

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 31% less expensive than Atlanta

Calculate payment - Atlanta Calculate payment - Chicago

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$85.63

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

Rate difference

Atlanta, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Additional Tax Information

Atlanta, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.