Median rent is 5% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,459/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $342,000. Households earn more in Clearfield ($75,429 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Clearfield is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.9 against 105.7 — about 10% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Clearfield, UT.
Quick verdict
Clearfield is 10% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.9 in Clearfield vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Clearfield, UT
How much would you need to earn in Clearfield, UT to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Clearfield, UT
$67,325
You could earn $7,675 less (10% 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
Chicago
Illinois
Clearfield
Utah
👥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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,380/mo in Chicago and $1,459/mo in Clearfield. Median home values are within 8% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $342,000 in Clearfield.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 4.65% in Utah, so Clearfield is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 4.85% in Utah; Clearfield has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Clearfield
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Clearfield.
Pick Clearfield if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.9 vs 105.7).
Pick Clearfield if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.65%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Clearfield?
Clearfield is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.9 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 10% lower in Clearfield.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Clearfield?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,459/mo in Clearfield, UT. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 5%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Clearfield?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $75,429 in Clearfield, UT. Clearfield, UT 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 — Chicago or Clearfield?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Utah's is 4.65%. Clearfield, UT has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Clearfield to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $89,767 in Clearfield, UT (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