Median rent is 18% lower in Ogden ($1,128/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Ogden, where the median home runs $311,300 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $70,053 a year). Taken together, Ogden is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.9 against 105.7 — about 10% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Ogden, UT.
Quick verdict
Ogden is 10% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.9 in Ogden vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Ogden, UT
How much would you need to earn in Ogden, UT to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Ogden, UT
$67,325
You could earn $7,675 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
Ogden
Utah
👥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 Ogden at $1,128/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (18% gap). Median home values are within 1% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $311,300 in Ogden.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 4.65% in Utah, so Ogden is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 4.85% in Utah; Ogden has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Ogden
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Ogden.
Pick Ogden 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 Ogden if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,128/mo median).
Pick Ogden if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.65%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Ogden?
Ogden 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 Ogden.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Ogden?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,128/mo in Ogden, UT. Ogden, UT has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Ogden?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $70,053 in Ogden, UT. 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 Ogden?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Utah's is 4.65%. Ogden, UT has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Ogden to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $89,767 in Ogden, UT (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