Median rent is 13% lower in Green ($1,200/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Green, where the median home runs $269,400 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Green ($92,653 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Green is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.8 against 105.7 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Green, OH.
Quick verdict
Green is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.8 in Green vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Green, OH
How much would you need to earn in Green, OH to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Green, OH
$66,534
You could earn $8,466 less (11% 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
Green
Ohio
👥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 Green at $1,200/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (13% gap). Median home values are within 15% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $269,400 in Green.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 3.50% in Ohio, so Green is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 5.75% in Ohio; Green has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Green
Income tax: 3.50%
Sales tax: 5.75%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Green.
Pick Green if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.8 vs 105.7).
Pick Green if you prioritize higher median household income ($92,653/yr).
Pick Green if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,200/mo median).
Pick Green if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.50%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Green?
Green is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.8 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Green.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Green?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,200/mo in Green, OH. Green, OH has the lower rent by about 13%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Green?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $92,653 in Green, OH. Green, OH 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 Green?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Ohio's is 3.50%. Green, OH has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Green to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $88,712 in Green, OH (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