Median rent is 30% lower in Anderson ($965/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Anderson, where the median home runs $199,600 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $44,321 a year). Taken together, Anderson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.8 against 105.7 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Anderson is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.8 in Anderson vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Anderson, SC
City B
Chicago, IL
How much would you need to earn in Chicago, IL to maintain your standard of living from Anderson, SC?
Equivalent salary in Chicago, IL
$84,515
You'd need $9,515 more (13% higher).
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
Anderson
South Carolina
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 Anderson — median rent of $965/mo versus $1,380/mo in Chicago, a 30% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $199,600 in Anderson — 37% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
South Carolina's top income tax rate is 6.40% versus 4.95% in Illinois, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in South Carolina and 6.25% in Illinois; Anderson has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Anderson
Income tax: 6.40%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Anderson.
Pick Anderson if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.8 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Anderson if you prioritize cheaper rent ($965/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Anderson cheaper than Chicago?
Anderson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.8 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Anderson.
How much is rent in Anderson vs Chicago?
Median rent is $965/mo in Anderson, SC and $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL. Anderson, SC has the lower rent by about 30%.
Which has higher salaries — Anderson or Chicago?
Median household income is $44,321 in Anderson, SC and $75,134 in Chicago, IL. Chicago, IL 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Anderson or Chicago?
South Carolina's top income tax rate is 6.40% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Anderson income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Anderson, SC is equivalent to roughly $112,687 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