Is Boston, MA cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 37.8% more expensive than Chicago, IL. This translates to spending an extra $2838 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $184,051.804 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 72.0% more expensive than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

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

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $2838 more per month than Chicago, IL, or $34052 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Chicago, IL

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Boston, MA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.8K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $184.1K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↑ 37.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,838

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$34.1K

Per year

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

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:138

Median Home:$961K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chicago, IL vs Boston, MA

Category	Chicago, IL	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $2,209more	72.0%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$716/mo	↑ $197more	37.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $150more	8.9%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$743/mo	↑ $149more	25.0%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $66.96more	3.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $49.96more	4.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 72.0%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,209

⚡All Utilities

↑ 37.9%

Chicago, IL

$519

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$197

🚗Transportation

↑ 8.9%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$150

🏥Healthcare

↑ 25.0%

Chicago, IL

$595

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$149

📦Other

↑ 3.8%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$66.96

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.9%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$3,095

↑ $1,495

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$3,255

↑ $1,545

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$3,865

↑ $1,940

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$4,630

↑ $2,150

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$2,822

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Boston

$305K

Median Value

$961K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 215% more expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $75.00

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$6.25

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.1%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.