Median rent is 4% lower in Ferry Pass ($1,322/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Ferry Pass, where the median home runs $243,600 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $64,368 a year). Taken together, Ferry Pass is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.3 against 105.7 — about 8% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Ferry Pass is 8% cheaper overall
Cost index: 97.3 in Ferry Pass vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Ferry Pass, FL
How much would you need to earn in Ferry Pass, FL to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Ferry Pass, FL
$69,017
You could earn $5,983 less (8% 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
Ferry Pass
Florida
👥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 $1,322/mo in Ferry Pass. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $243,600 in Ferry Pass — 23% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while Illinois tops out at 4.95% — giving Ferry Pass a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.00% in Florida; Ferry Pass has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Ferry Pass
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Ferry Pass.
Pick Ferry Pass if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 97.3 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Ferry Pass if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than Ferry Pass?
Ferry Pass is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.3 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 8% lower in Ferry Pass.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Ferry Pass?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,322/mo in Ferry Pass, FL. Ferry Pass, FL has the lower rent by about 4%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Ferry Pass?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $64,368 in Ferry Pass, FL. 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 Ferry Pass?
Florida has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Ferry Pass to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $92,023 in Ferry Pass, FL (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