Is Chicago, IL cheaper than San Jose, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 46.2% cheaper than San Jose, CA. This translates to saving $3466 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Jose, CA, you'd need approximately $108,402.985 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Chicago, IL is 68.3% cheaper than in San Jose, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $3,445/month in San Jose, CA.

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

Moving from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL could save you approximately $3466 per month, or $41597 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Jose, CA

Tap to swap

Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Jose, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.5K/month moving to Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $108.4K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 46.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,466

Savings

Annual Impact

$41.6K

Per year

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

San Jose, CA

Population:1013K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.35M

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:54

Median Home:$305K

San Jose, CA

The Golden State

1.0M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 1.0M residents.

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 Jose, CA vs Chicago, IL

Category	San Jose, CA	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,667/mo	$3,066/mo	↓ $6,601less	68.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,680/mo	↑ $273more	19.4%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$595/mo	↓ $112less	15.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,129/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $99.93less	8.8%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $66.96less	3.7%
⚡All Utilities	$464/mo	$519/mo	↑ $54.64more	11.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 68.3%

San Jose, CA

$9,667

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$6,601

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 19.4%

San Jose, CA

$1,407

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$273

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.8%

San Jose, CA

$706

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$112

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.8%

San Jose, CA

$1,129

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$99.93

less

📦Other

↓ 3.7%

San Jose, CA

$1,825

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$66.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.8%

San Jose, CA

$464

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$54.64

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,590

To$1,600

↓ $990

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,710

↓ $1,240

2 Bed

From$3,445

To$1,925

↓ $1,520

3 Bed

From$4,550

To$2,480

↓ $2,070

San Jose, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,190–$4,060/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.

$15,199

Monthly in San Jose, CA

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$6,551

Difference

Home Values

San Jose

Chicago

$1.35M

Median Value

$305K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$671K - $2.59M

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 77% less expensive than San Jose

Calculate payment - San Jose 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 Jose, 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 Jose, 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.