Median rent is 17% lower in Provo ($1,152/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $437,100. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $62,800 a year). Taken together, Provo is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.3 against 105.7 — about 17% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
Provo is 17% cheaper overall
Cost index: 87.3 in Provo vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Provo, UT
How much would you need to earn in Provo, UT to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Provo, UT
$61,953
You could earn $13,047 less (17% 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
Provo
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 Provo at $1,152/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (17% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Provo: the median home is $437,100 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 28% more expensive.
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 Provo is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 4.85% in Utah; Provo has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Provo
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Provo.
Pick Provo if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 87.3 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Provo if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,152/mo median).
Pick Provo if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.65%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Provo?
Provo is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.3 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 17% lower in Provo.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Provo?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,152/mo in Provo, UT. Provo, UT has the lower rent by about 17%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Provo?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $62,800 in Provo, 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 Provo?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Utah's is 4.65%. Provo, UT has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Provo to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $82,605 in Provo, 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