Median rent is 21% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,750/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $465,000. Households earn more in Henderson ($88,654 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Henderson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.5 against 105.7 — about 9% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Henderson, NV.
Quick verdict
Henderson is 9% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.5 in Henderson vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Henderson, NV
How much would you need to earn in Henderson, NV to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Henderson, NV
$68,455
You could earn $6,545 less (9% 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
Henderson
Nevada
👥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 $1,750/mo in Henderson, a 21% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Henderson: the median home is $465,000 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 32% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Nevada has no state income tax, while Illinois tops out at 4.95% — giving Henderson a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.85% in Nevada; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Henderson
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.85%
Henderson has cleaner air on average: 12.0 AQI (Good) compared to 21.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Henderson if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 96.5 vs 105.7).
Pick Henderson if you prioritize higher median household income ($88,654/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Henderson if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 12.0).
Is Chicago cheaper than Henderson?
Henderson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.5 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 9% lower in Henderson.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Henderson?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,750/mo in Henderson, NV. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 21%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Henderson?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $88,654 in Henderson, NV. Henderson, NV 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?
Henderson, NV has better air quality on average: 12.0 AQI versus 21.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Henderson?
Nevada has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Henderson to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $91,274 in Henderson, NV (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