Median rent is 23% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,789/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $583,900. Households earn more in Sandy Springs ($101,593 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Sandy Springs is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.6 against 105.7 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Sandy Springs, GA.
Quick verdict
Sandy Springs is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.6 in Sandy Springs vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Sandy Springs, GA
How much would you need to earn in Sandy Springs, GA to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Sandy Springs, GA
$69,965
You could earn $5,035 less (7% 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
Sandy Springs
Georgia
👥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 $1,789/mo in Sandy Springs, a 23% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Sandy Springs: the median home is $583,900 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 46% 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 5.49% in Georgia, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 4.00% in Georgia; Sandy Springs has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Sandy Springs
Income tax: 5.49%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Sandy Springs.
Pick Sandy Springs if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.6 vs 105.7).
Pick Sandy Springs if you prioritize higher median household income ($101,593/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Sandy Springs?
Sandy Springs is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.6 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Sandy Springs.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Sandy Springs?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,789/mo in Sandy Springs, GA. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 23%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Sandy Springs?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $101,593 in Sandy Springs, GA. Sandy Springs, GA 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 Sandy Springs?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Georgia's is 5.49%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Sandy Springs to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $93,286 in Sandy Springs, GA (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