Boston, MA vs Chicago, IL: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Boston, MA and Chicago, IL. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Boston, MA
MA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 112
- Housing RPP
- 150.3
- Goods RPP
- 110.1
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,827/mo
Massachusetts flat income tax 5.0%. No city income tax.
Chicago, IL
IL
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 105.7
- Housing RPP
- 110.9
- Goods RPP
- 106.7
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,714/mo
Illinois flat income tax 4.95%. Chicago city tax adds ~2.25% effective burden.
Equivalent salary
Chicago, IL is cheaper than Boston, MA by about 5.6% (RPP 112 to 105.7).
$60,000 in Boston, MA
-> $56,625
in Chicago, IL
$100,000 in Boston, MA
-> $94,375
in Chicago, IL
$150,000 in Boston, MA
-> $141,563
in Chicago, IL
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Chicago, IL cheaper or more expensive than Boston, MA?
- Chicago, IL (RPP 105.7) is cheaper than Boston, MA (RPP 112) by about 5.6%.
- What salary do I need in Chicago, IL if I earn $100,000 in Boston, MA?
- You would need approximately $94,375 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Boston, MA. Formula: $100,000 x (105.7 / 112).