Chicago, Illinois has an overall cost of living index of 105.7, which is 5.7 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,380 per month, while the typical home is valued around $315,200. Households earn a median of $75,134 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 21. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$75,134
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,380
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$315,200
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
105.7
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,480
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,581
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,781
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$2,294
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
105.7
Goods
106.6
Rents / Housing
111.2
Services
85.5
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
4.95%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
6.25%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $127,960 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $90,810 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $73,830 |
| ⚡Electrician | $91,560 |
| 📊Accountant | $89,490 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
2,707,648
Latest estimate
Median Age
35.7 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
21.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Chicago?
Chicago has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 105.7. The US national average is 100, so Chicago is 5.7 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Chicago?
The median gross rent in Chicago is $1,380 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Chicago?
The median household income in Chicago is $75,134 per year.
What is the median home value in Chicago?
The median home value in Chicago is $315,200 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Chicago?
Chicago has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Chicago?
Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a statewide sales tax of 6.25% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology