Median rent is 16% lower in Camden ($1,157/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Camden, where the median home runs $100,400 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $40,450 a year). Taken together, Camden is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 100.7 against 105.7 — about 5% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Camden is 5% cheaper overall
Cost index: 100.7 in Camden vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Camden, NJ
City B
Chicago, IL
How much would you need to earn in Chicago, IL to maintain your standard of living from Camden, NJ?
Equivalent salary in Chicago, IL
$78,697
You'd need $3,697 more (5% 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
Camden
New Jersey
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 Camden at $1,157/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (16% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $100,400 in Camden — 68% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New Jersey's top income tax rate is 10.75% versus 4.95% in Illinois, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.63% in New Jersey and 6.25% in Illinois; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Camden
Income tax: 10.75%
Sales tax: 6.63%
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Camden.
Pick Camden if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 100.7 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Camden if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,157/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Camden cheaper than Chicago?
Camden is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 100.7 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 5% lower in Camden.
How much is rent in Camden vs Chicago?
Median rent is $1,157/mo in Camden, NJ and $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL. Camden, NJ has the lower rent by about 16%.
Which has higher salaries — Camden or Chicago?
Median household income is $40,450 in Camden, NJ 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 — Camden or Chicago?
New Jersey's top income tax rate is 10.75% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Camden income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Camden, NJ is equivalent to roughly $104,930 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