Median rent is 14% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,614/mo). Buying is cheaper in Middletown, where the median home runs $271,000 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Middletown ($77,174 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Middletown is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.5 against 105.7 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Middletown, NY.
Quick verdict
Middletown is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.5 in Middletown vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Middletown, NY
How much would you need to earn in Middletown, NY to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Middletown, NY
$65,596
You could earn $9,404 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
Middletown
New York
👥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 Chicago at $1,380/mo compared to $1,614/mo in Middletown (14% gap). Median home values are within 14% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $271,000 in Middletown.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 10.90% in New York, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 4.00% in New York; Middletown has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Middletown
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Middletown.
Pick Middletown if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.5 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Middletown?
Middletown is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.5 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Middletown.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Middletown?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,614/mo in Middletown, NY. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 14%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Middletown?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $77,174 in Middletown, NY. Middletown, NY 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 Middletown?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and New York's is 10.90%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Middletown to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $87,461 in Middletown, NY (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