Median rent is 32% lower in Battle Creek ($934/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Battle Creek, where the median home runs $127,600 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $51,699 a year).
City A
Battle Creek, MI
City B
Chicago, IL
How much would you need to earn in Chicago, IL to maintain your standard of living from Battle Creek, MI?
A cost-of-living index isn't available for one of these cities yet, so we can't compute an equivalent salary.
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
Battle Creek
Michigan
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 Battle Creek — median rent of $934/mo versus $1,380/mo in Chicago, a 32% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $127,600 in Battle Creek — 60% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% versus 4.95% in Illinois, so Battle Creek is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Michigan and 6.25% in Illinois; Battle Creek has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Battle Creek
Income tax: 4.25%
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 Battle Creek.
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Battle Creek if you prioritize cheaper rent ($934/mo median).
Pick Battle Creek if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.25%).
Is Battle Creek cheaper than Chicago?
Cost of living index data is not yet available for one or both cities.
How much is rent in Battle Creek vs Chicago?
Median rent is $934/mo in Battle Creek, MI and $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL. Battle Creek, MI has the lower rent by about 32%.
Which has higher salaries — Battle Creek or Chicago?
Median household income is $51,699 in Battle Creek, MI 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 — Battle Creek or Chicago?
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Battle Creek, MI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Battle Creek income?
RPP data needed for salary equivalence calculation is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology