Is Chicago, IL cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 27.4% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $2059 per month.

What salary do I need in Chicago, IL to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $125,295.302 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Chicago, IL?

Housing in Chicago, IL is 41.9% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL?

Moving from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL could save you approximately $2059 per month, or $24705 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Boston, MA

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Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $125.3K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 27.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,059

Savings

Annual Impact

$24.7K

Per year

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:73

Median Home:$305K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

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: Boston, MA vs Chicago, IL

Category	Boston, MA	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$3,066/mo	↓ $2,209less	41.9%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$519/mo	↓ $197less	27.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,680/mo	↓ $150less	8.2%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$595/mo	↓ $149less	20.0%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $66.96less	3.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 41.9%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$2,209

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 27.5%

Boston, MA

$716

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$197

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.2%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$150

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 20.0%

Boston, MA

$743

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$149

less

📦Other

↓ 3.7%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$66.96

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$49.96

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$1,600

↓ $1,495

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,710

↓ $1,545

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,925

↓ $1,940

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$2,480

↓ $2,150

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$2,822

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Chicago

$961K

Median Value

$305K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 68% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Chicago

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $75.00

Per year

Monthly Difference

$6.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.1%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.