Chicago, IL vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Chicago, IL and San Diego, CA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
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.
San Diego, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 114.5
- Housing RPP
- 183.9
- Goods RPP
- 108.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,833/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
San Diego, CA is more expensive than Chicago, IL by about 8.3% (RPP 105.7 to 114.5).
$60,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $64,995
in San Diego, CA
$100,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $108,325
in San Diego, CA
$150,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $162,488
in San Diego, CA
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 San Diego, CA cheaper or more expensive than Chicago, IL?
- San Diego, CA (RPP 114.5) is more expensive than Chicago, IL (RPP 105.7) by about 8.3%.
- What salary do I need in San Diego, CA if I earn $100,000 in Chicago, IL?
- You would need approximately $108,325 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Chicago, IL. Formula: $100,000 x (114.5 / 105.7).