Median rent is 10% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,538/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $561,400. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $60,641 a year). Taken together, Chicago is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 105.7 against 114.0 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Chicago is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 105.7 in Chicago vs 114.0 in Bell (US average = 100)
City A
Bell, CA
City B
Chicago, IL
How much would you need to earn in Chicago, IL to maintain your standard of living from Bell, CA?
Equivalent salary in Chicago, IL
$69,531
You could earn $5,469 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
Bell
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Chicago at $1,380/mo compared to $1,538/mo in Bell (10% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Bell: the median home is $561,400 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 44% 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).
Bell
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Bell.
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 105.7 vs 114.0).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Bell cheaper than Chicago?
Chicago is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 105.7 versus 114.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Chicago.
How much is rent in Bell vs Chicago?
Median rent is $1,538/mo in Bell, CA and $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 10%.
Which has higher salaries — Bell or Chicago?
Median household income is $60,641 in Bell, CA 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 — Bell 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 Bell income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Bell, CA is equivalent to roughly $92,708 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