Median rent is 34% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $2,082/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $771,700. Households earn more in Anaheim ($90,583 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Chicago is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 105.7 against 113.3 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Anaheim, CA.
Quick verdict
Chicago is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 105.7 in Chicago vs 113.3 in Anaheim (US average = 100)
City A
Anaheim, CA
City B
Chicago, IL
How much would you need to earn in Chicago, IL to maintain your standard of living from Anaheim, CA?
Equivalent salary in Chicago, IL
$69,968
You could earn $5,032 less (7% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Anaheim
California
Chicago
Illinois
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Chicago — median rent of $1,380/mo versus $2,082/mo in Anaheim, a 34% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Anaheim: the median home is $771,700 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 59% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 4.95% in Illinois, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.25% in Illinois; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Anaheim
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 80.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 105.7 vs 113.3).
Pick Anaheim if you prioritize higher median household income ($90,583/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Is Anaheim cheaper than Chicago?
Chicago is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 105.7 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Chicago.
How much is rent in Anaheim vs Chicago?
Median rent is $2,082/mo in Anaheim, CA and $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 34%.
Which has higher salaries — Anaheim or Chicago?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim, CA and $75,134 in Chicago, IL. Anaheim, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 80.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Anaheim or Chicago?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Anaheim income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Anaheim, CA is equivalent to roughly $93,291 in Chicago, IL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology