Median rent is 3% lower in Ormond Beach ($1,332/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $320,300. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $67,482 a year). Taken together, Ormond Beach is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 105.7 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Ormond Beach is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Ormond Beach vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Ormond Beach, FL
How much would you need to earn in Ormond Beach, FL to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Ormond Beach, FL
$70,106
You could earn $4,894 less (7% 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
Ormond Beach
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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,380/mo in Chicago and $1,332/mo in Ormond Beach. Median home values are within 2% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $320,300 in Ormond Beach.
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 Ormond Beach a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.00% in Florida; Ormond Beach has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Ormond Beach
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Ormond Beach.
Pick Ormond Beach if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Ormond Beach if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than Ormond Beach?
Ormond Beach is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Ormond Beach.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Ormond Beach?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,332/mo in Ormond Beach, FL. Ormond Beach, FL has the lower rent by about 3%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Ormond Beach?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $67,482 in Ormond Beach, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Ormond Beach?
Florida has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Ormond Beach to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $93,474 in Ormond Beach, 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