Is Chicago, IL cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 24.9% cheaper than San Diego, CA. This translates to saving $1870 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $127,562.5 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Chicago, IL is 41.3% cheaper than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

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

Moving from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL could save you approximately $1870 per month, or $22438 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Diego, CA

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Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.9K/month moving to Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $127.6K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 24.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,870

Savings

Annual Impact

$22.4K

Per year

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$980K

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:75

Median Home:$305K

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

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: San Diego, CA vs Chicago, IL

Category	San Diego, CA	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,223/mo	$3,066/mo	↓ $2,157less	41.3%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $134less	7.1%
⚡All Utilities	$634/mo	$519/mo	↓ $115less	18.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,680/mo	↑ $109more	7.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.6%
🏥Healthcare	$638/mo	$595/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 41.3%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$2,157

less

📦Other

↓ 7.1%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$134

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 18.1%

San Diego, CA

$634

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$115

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 7.0%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$109

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.6%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$49.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.8%

San Diego, CA

$638

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$43.37

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,565

To$1,600

↓ $965

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$1,710

↓ $1,045

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$1,925

↓ $1,435

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$2,480

↓ $1,995

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$2,390

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Chicago

$980K

Median Value

$305K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 69% less expensive than San Diego

Calculate payment - San Diego Calculate payment - Chicago

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$267

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

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

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

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.