Is Chicago, IL cheaper than San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 45.1% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $3385 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $109,385.787 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Chicago, IL is 68.6% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

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

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL could save you approximately $3385 per month, or $40614 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Francisco, CA

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Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.4K/month moving to Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $109.4K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 45.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,385

Savings

Annual Impact

$40.6K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.25M

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:55

Median Home:$305K

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

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 Francisco, CA vs Chicago, IL

Category	San Francisco, CA	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,771/mo	$3,066/mo	↓ $6,705less	68.6%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,680/mo	↓ $478less	22.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,159/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $130less	11.2%
📦Other	$1,875/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $117less	6.3%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$595/mo	↓ $112less	15.8%
⚡All Utilities	$448/mo	$519/mo	↑ $71.03more	15.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 68.6%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$6,705

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 22.2%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$478

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.2%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$130

less

📦Other

↓ 6.3%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$117

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.8%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$112

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 15.9%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$71.03

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,460

To$1,600

↓ $860

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,710

↓ $1,240

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$1,925

↓ $1,645

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$2,480

↓ $2,080

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$7,470

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Chicago

$1.25M

Median Value

$305K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 75% less expensive than San Francisco

Calculate payment - San Francisco 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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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.