Median rent is 11% lower in Easton ($1,223/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Easton, where the median home runs $169,200 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $63,775 a year). Taken together, Easton is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.1 against 105.7 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Easton is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.1 in Easton vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Easton, PA
How much would you need to earn in Easton, PA to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Easton, PA
$69,580
You could earn $5,420 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
Chicago
Illinois
Easton
Pennsylvania
👥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 Easton at $1,223/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (11% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $169,200 in Easton — 46% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 3.07% in Pennsylvania, so Easton is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.00% in Pennsylvania; Easton has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Easton
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Easton.
Pick Easton if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.1 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Easton if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,223/mo median).
Pick Easton if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.07%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Easton?
Easton is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.1 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Easton.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Easton?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,223/mo in Easton, PA. Easton, PA has the lower rent by about 11%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Easton?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $63,775 in Easton, PA. 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 — Chicago or Easton?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Pennsylvania's is 3.07%. Easton, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Easton to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $92,773 in Easton, PA (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