San Francisco, CA vs Chicago, IL: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between San Francisco, CA and Chicago, IL. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
San Francisco, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 117.9
- Housing RPP
- 206.4
- Goods RPP
- 114.5
- 2-BR median rent
- $3,359/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3% (highest in nation). 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 San Francisco, CA by about 10.3% (RPP 117.9 to 105.7).
$60,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $53,791
in Chicago, IL
$100,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $89,652
in Chicago, IL
$150,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $134,478
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 San Francisco, CA?
- Chicago, IL (RPP 105.7) is cheaper than San Francisco, CA (RPP 117.9) by about 10.3%.
- What salary do I need in Chicago, IL if I earn $100,000 in San Francisco, CA?
- You would need approximately $89,652 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in San Francisco, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (105.7 / 117.9).