Median rent is 32% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $2,043/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $885,000. Households earn more in Arlington ($141,440 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Arlington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.4 against 105.7 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Arlington, MA.
Quick verdict
Arlington is 2% cheaper overall
Cost index: 103.4 in Arlington vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Arlington, MA
City B
Chicago, IL
How much would you need to earn in Chicago, IL to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, MA?
Equivalent salary in Chicago, IL
$76,664
You'd need $1,664 more (2% 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
Arlington
Massachusetts
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 $2,043/mo in Arlington, a 32% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Arlington: the median home is $885,000 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 64% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Massachusetts's top income tax rate is 9.00% versus 4.95% in Illinois, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Massachusetts and 6.25% in Illinois; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Arlington
Income tax: 9.00%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Arlington.
Pick Arlington if you prioritize higher median household income ($141,440/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Arlington cheaper than Chicago?
Arlington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.4 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in Arlington.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Chicago?
Median rent is $2,043/mo in Arlington, MA and $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 32%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Chicago?
Median household income is $141,440 in Arlington, MA and $75,134 in Chicago, IL. Arlington, MA 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 — Arlington or Chicago?
Massachusetts's top income tax rate is 9.00% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, MA is equivalent to roughly $102,218 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