Median rent is 23% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,781/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $327,700. Households earn more in Port St. Lucie ($78,137 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Port St. Lucie 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 Port St. Lucie, FL.
Quick verdict
Port St. Lucie is 10% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.9 in Port St. Lucie vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Port St. Lucie, FL
How much would you need to earn in Port St. Lucie, FL to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Port St. Lucie, FL
$67,341
You could earn $7,659 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
Port St. Lucie
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Chicago — median rent of $1,380/mo versus $1,781/mo in Port St. Lucie, a 23% difference. Median home values are within 4% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $327,700 in Port St. Lucie.
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 Port St. Lucie a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.00% in Florida; Port St. Lucie has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Port St. Lucie
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Both cities have similar air quality: Chicago averages 21.0 AQI (Good) and Port St. Lucie averages 22.0 AQI (Good).
Pick Port St. Lucie if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.9 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Port St. Lucie if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than Port St. Lucie?
Port St. Lucie 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 Port St. Lucie.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Port St. Lucie?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,781/mo in Port St. Lucie, FL. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 23%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Port St. Lucie?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $78,137 in Port St. Lucie, FL. Port St. Lucie, FL 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 22.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Port St. Lucie?
Florida has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Port St. Lucie to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $89,788 in Port St. Lucie, 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