Median rent is 16% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,636/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $321,900. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $63,832 a year). Taken together, Chicago is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 105.7 against 111.9 — about 6% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Chicago is 6% cheaper overall
Cost index: 105.7 in Chicago vs 111.9 in Pompano Beach (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Pompano Beach, FL
How much would you need to earn in Pompano Beach, FL to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Pompano Beach, FL
$79,411
You'd need $4,411 more (6% higher).
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
Pompano 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 rent is modestly lower in Chicago at $1,380/mo compared to $1,636/mo in Pompano Beach (16% gap). Median home values are within 2% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $321,900 in Pompano 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 Pompano Beach a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.00% in Florida; Pompano Beach has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Pompano Beach
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Pompano Beach.
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 105.7 vs 111.9).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Pompano Beach if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than Pompano Beach?
Chicago is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 105.7 versus 111.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 6% lower in Chicago.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Pompano Beach?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,636/mo in Pompano Beach, FL. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 16%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Pompano Beach?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $63,832 in Pompano 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 Pompano Beach?
Florida has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Pompano Beach to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $105,881 in Pompano 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