Is Chicago, IL cheaper than Las Vegas, NV?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 0.8% cheaper than Las Vegas, NV. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Chicago, IL to live like I do in Las Vegas, NV?

If you earn $150,000 in Las Vegas, NV, you'd need approximately $149,256.881 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Las Vegas, NV and Chicago, IL?

Housing in Chicago, IL is 7.1% cheaper than in Las Vegas, NV. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $1,655/month in Las Vegas, NV.

How much can I save per month by moving from Las Vegas, NV to Chicago, IL?

Moving from Las Vegas, NV to Chicago, IL could save you approximately $62 per month, or $743 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Las Vegas, NV

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Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Las Vegas, NV

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $61.93/month moving to Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.3K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV area

Overall Cost

↓ 0.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$61.93

Savings

Annual Impact

$743

Per year

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

Las Vegas, NV

Population:656K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$377K

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:99

Median Home:$305K

Las Vegas, NV

The Silver State

656K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital
•No state income tax
•Desert oasis

Major Industries

TourismEntertainmentTechnologyLogistics

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: Las Vegas, NV vs Chicago, IL

Category	Las Vegas, NV	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,300/mo	$3,066/mo	↓ $234less	7.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,544/mo	$1,680/mo	↑ $137more	8.8%
📦Other	$1,808/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$595/mo	↓ $37.17less	5.9%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$519/mo	↑ $10.93more	2.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 7.1%

Las Vegas, NV

$3,300

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$234

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 8.8%

Las Vegas, NV

$1,544

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$137

📦Other

↓ 2.8%

Las Vegas, NV

$1,808

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$50.22

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.9%

Las Vegas, NV

$632

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$37.17

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.2%

Las Vegas, NV

$508

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$10.93

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Las Vegas, NV

$1,039

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$9.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,270

To$1,600

↑ $330

1 Bed

From$1,410

To$1,710

↑ $300

2 Bed

From$1,655

To$1,925

↑ $270

3 Bed

From$2,300

To$2,480

↑ $180

Las Vegas, NVZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,330–$2,210/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.

$8,831

Monthly in Las Vegas, NV

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$184

Difference

Home Values

Las Vegas

Chicago

$377K

Median Value

$305K

↓ -2.3%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +37.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$265K - $712K

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 19% less expensive than Las Vegas

Calculate payment - Las Vegas Calculate payment - Chicago

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$619

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.9%

Rate difference

Las Vegas, NV

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Nevada State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Las Vegas, NV Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.