Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 33.2% more expensive than Chicago, IL. This translates to spending an extra $2491 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Chicago, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $179,888.992 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chicago, IL and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 70.3% more expensive than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA?

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $2491 more per month than Chicago, IL, or $29889 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Chicago, IL

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San Diego, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.5K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $179.9K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 33.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,491

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$29.9K

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:133

Median Home:$980K

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

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chicago, IL vs San Diego, CA

Category	Chicago, IL	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $2,157more	70.3%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $134more	7.6%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$634/mo	↑ $115more	22.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $109less	6.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $49.96more	4.9%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$638/mo	↑ $43.37more	7.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 70.3%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,157

📦Other

↑ 7.6%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$134

⚡All Utilities

↑ 22.1%

Chicago, IL

$519

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$115

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.5%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$109

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.9%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.3%

Chicago, IL

$595

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$43.37

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$2,565

↑ $965

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$2,755

↑ $1,045

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$3,360

↑ $1,435

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$4,475

↑ $1,995

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$2,390

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

San Diego

$305K

Median Value

$980K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 221% more expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago Calculate payment - San Diego

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$267

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

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

San Diego, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.