Median rent is 2% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,404/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $391,300. Households earn more in Hoover ($107,822 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Hoover is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.0 against 105.7 — about 14% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Hoover, AL.
Quick verdict
Hoover is 14% cheaper overall
Cost index: 91.0 in Hoover vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Hoover, AL
How much would you need to earn in Hoover, AL to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Hoover, AL
$64,585
You could earn $10,415 less (14% 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
Hoover
Alabama
👥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 $1,404/mo in Hoover. Median home values are within 19% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $391,300 in Hoover.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 5.00% in Alabama, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 4.00% in Alabama; Hoover has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Hoover
Income tax: 5.00%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Hoover.
Pick Hoover if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.0 vs 105.7).
Pick Hoover if you prioritize higher median household income ($107,822/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Hoover?
Hoover is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.0 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 14% lower in Hoover.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Hoover?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,404/mo in Hoover, AL. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Hoover?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $107,822 in Hoover, AL. Hoover, AL 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 Hoover?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Alabama's is 5.00%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Hoover to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $86,113 in Hoover, AL (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