Median rent is 10% lower in Greenville ($1,248/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $453,300. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $68,460 a year). Taken together, Greenville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.9 against 105.7 — about 10% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
Greenville is 10% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.9 in Greenville vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Greenville, SC
How much would you need to earn in Greenville, SC to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Greenville, SC
$67,312
You could earn $7,688 less (10% 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
Greenville
South Carolina
👥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 Greenville at $1,248/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (10% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Greenville: the median home is $453,300 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 30% 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 6.40% in South Carolina, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.00% in South Carolina; Greenville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Greenville
Income tax: 6.40%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Greenville.
Pick Greenville if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.9 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Greenville?
Greenville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.9 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 10% lower in Greenville.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Greenville?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,248/mo in Greenville, SC. Greenville, SC has the lower rent by about 10%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Greenville?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $68,460 in Greenville, SC. 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 Greenville?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and South Carolina's is 6.40%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Greenville to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $89,750 in Greenville, SC (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