Median rent is 4% lower in Fresno ($1,324/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $348,500. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $66,804 a year). Taken together, Fresno is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.9 against 105.7 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Fresno, CA.
Quick verdict
Fresno is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 91.9 in Fresno vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Fresno, CA
How much would you need to earn in Fresno, CA to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Fresno, CA
$65,177
You could earn $9,823 less (13% 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
Fresno
California
👥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 $1,324/mo in Fresno. Median home values are within 10% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $348,500 in Fresno.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 13.30% in California, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 7.25% in California; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Fresno
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 55.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Fresno if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.9 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Fresno?
Fresno is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.9 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Fresno.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Fresno?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,324/mo in Fresno, CA. Fresno, CA has the lower rent by about 4%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Fresno?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $66,804 in Fresno, CA. 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?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Fresno?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and California's is 13.30%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Fresno to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $86,903 in Fresno, CA (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