Median rent is 0% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,382/mo). Buying is cheaper in Round Lake Beach, where the median home runs $191,200 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Round Lake Beach ($86,632 vs $75,134 a year).
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Round Lake Beach, IL
How much would you need to earn in Round Lake Beach, IL to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
A cost-of-living index isn't available for one of these cities yet, so we can't compute an equivalent salary.
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
Round Lake Beach
Illinois
👥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 $1,382/mo in Round Lake Beach. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $191,200 in Round Lake Beach — 39% 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 4.95% in Illinois, so Round Lake Beach is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.25% in Illinois; Round Lake Beach has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Round Lake Beach
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Round Lake Beach.
Pick Round Lake Beach if you prioritize higher median household income ($86,632/yr).
Is Chicago cheaper than Round Lake Beach?
Cost of living index data is not yet available for one or both cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Round Lake Beach?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,382/mo in Round Lake Beach, IL. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 0%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Round Lake Beach?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $86,632 in Round Lake Beach, IL. Round Lake Beach, 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 Round Lake Beach?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Round Lake Beach, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Round Lake Beach to match my Chicago income?
RPP data needed for salary equivalence calculation is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology