Median rent is 2% lower in Roseville ($1,346/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $334,800. Households earn more in Roseville ($88,440 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Chicago is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 105.7 against 109.9 — about 4% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Roseville, MN.
Quick verdict
Chicago is 4% cheaper overall
Cost index: 105.7 in Chicago vs 109.9 in Roseville (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Roseville, MN
How much would you need to earn in Roseville, MN to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Roseville, MN
$77,979
You'd need $2,979 more (4% 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
Roseville
Minnesota
👥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 $1,346/mo in Roseville. Median home values are within 6% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $334,800 in Roseville.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 9.85% in Minnesota, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.88% in Minnesota; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Roseville
Income tax: 9.85%
Sales tax: 6.88%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Roseville.
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 105.7 vs 109.9).
Pick Roseville if you prioritize higher median household income ($88,440/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Roseville?
Chicago is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 105.7 versus 109.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in Chicago.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Roseville?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,346/mo in Roseville, MN. Roseville, MN has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Roseville?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $88,440 in Roseville, MN. Roseville, MN 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 Roseville?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Minnesota's is 9.85%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Roseville to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $103,971 in Roseville, MN (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