Los Angeles, CA vs Chicago, IL: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Los Angeles, CA and Chicago, IL. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Los Angeles, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113.1
- Housing RPP
- 177
- Goods RPP
- 106.3
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,544/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. 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 Los Angeles, CA by about 6.5% (RPP 113.1 to 105.7).
$60,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $56,074
in Chicago, IL
$100,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $93,457
in Chicago, IL
$150,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $140,186
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 Los Angeles, CA?
- Chicago, IL (RPP 105.7) is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA (RPP 113.1) by about 6.5%.
- What salary do I need in Chicago, IL if I earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA?
- You would need approximately $93,457 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (105.7 / 113.1).