Median rent is 32% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $2,034/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $930,200. Households earn more in Temple City ($102,449 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Temple City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.0 against 105.7 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Temple City, CA.
Quick verdict
Temple City is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.0 in Temple City vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Temple City, CA
How much would you need to earn in Temple City, CA to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Temple City, CA
$65,254
You could earn $9,746 less (13% 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
Temple City
California
👥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 $2,034/mo in Temple City, a 32% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Temple City: the median home is $930,200 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 66% 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 13.30% in California, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 7.25% in California; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Temple City
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Temple City.
Pick Temple City if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.0 vs 105.7).
Pick Temple City if you prioritize higher median household income ($102,449/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 Temple City?
Temple City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.0 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Temple City.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Temple City?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $2,034/mo in Temple City, CA. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 32%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Temple City?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $102,449 in Temple City, CA. Temple City, CA 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 Temple City?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and California's is 13.30%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Temple City to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $87,005 in Temple City, CA (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