Median rent is 28% lower in Midland ($990/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Midland, where the median home runs $192,400 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $74,906 a year). Taken together, Midland is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.9 against 105.7 — about 3% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Midland, MI.
Quick verdict
Midland is 3% cheaper overall
Cost index: 102.9 in Midland vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Midland, MI
How much would you need to earn in Midland, MI to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Midland, MI
$73,033
You could earn $1,967 less (3% 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
Midland
Michigan
👥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 Midland — median rent of $990/mo versus $1,380/mo in Chicago, a 28% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $192,400 in Midland — 39% 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 4.25% in Michigan, so Midland is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.00% in Michigan; Midland has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Midland
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Midland.
Pick Midland if you prioritize cheaper rent ($990/mo median).
Pick Midland if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.25%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Midland?
Midland is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.9 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 3% lower in Midland.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Midland?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $990/mo in Midland, MI. Midland, MI has the lower rent by about 28%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Midland?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $74,906 in Midland, MI. 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 Midland?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Michigan's is 4.25%. Midland, MI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Midland to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $97,377 in Midland, MI (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