Median rent is 22% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,776/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $455,600. Households earn more in Fort Lauderdale ($79,935 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Chicago is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 105.7 against 111.9 — about 6% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
Chicago is 6% cheaper overall
Cost index: 105.7 in Chicago vs 111.9 in Fort Lauderdale (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Fort Lauderdale, FL
How much would you need to earn in Fort Lauderdale, FL to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Fort Lauderdale, FL
$79,411
You'd need $4,411 more (6% 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
Chicago
Illinois
Fort Lauderdale
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Chicago — median rent of $1,380/mo versus $1,776/mo in Fort Lauderdale, a 22% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Fort Lauderdale: the median home is $455,600 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 31% 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 Fort Lauderdale a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.00% in Florida; Fort Lauderdale has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Fort Lauderdale
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 33.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 105.7 vs 111.9).
Pick Fort Lauderdale if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,935/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Is Chicago cheaper than Fort Lauderdale?
Chicago is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 105.7 versus 111.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 6% lower in Chicago.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,776/mo in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 22%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Fort Lauderdale, FL 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?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 33.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Fort Lauderdale?
Florida has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Fort Lauderdale to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $105,881 in Fort Lauderdale, 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