Median rent is 16% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,650/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $359,000. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $69,268 a year). Taken together, Orlando is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 100.5 against 105.7 — about 5% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Orlando is 5% cheaper overall
Cost index: 100.5 in Orlando vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Orlando, FL
How much would you need to earn in Orlando, FL to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Orlando, FL
$71,323
You could earn $3,677 less (5% 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
Orlando
Florida
👥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 $1,650/mo in Orlando (16% gap). Median home values are within 12% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $359,000 in Orlando.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while Illinois tops out at 4.95% — giving Orlando a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.00% in Florida; Orlando has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Orlando
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 28.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Orlando if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 100.5 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Is Chicago cheaper than Orlando?
Orlando is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 100.5 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 5% lower in Orlando.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Orlando?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,650/mo in Orlando, FL. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 16%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Orlando?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $69,268 in Orlando, FL. 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?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 28.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Orlando?
Florida has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Orlando to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $95,098 in Orlando, FL (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