Cheapest Cities Near Chicago (2026)

Chicago has a cost of living index of 107 (US avg = 100). Here are 8 more affordable metros to consider as alternatives.

More affordable alternatives

1
Flint, MI28% cheaper
COL: 771BR: $880/moSave $1,020/mo on rent
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2
McAllen, TX27% cheaper
COL: 781BR: $950/moSave $950/mo on rent
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3
Jackson, MS26% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $1,000/moSave $900/mo on rent
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4
Springfield, MO26% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $950/mo on rent
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5
Laredo, TX26% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $950/mo on rent
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6
Evansville, IN25% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $990/moSave $910/mo on rent
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7
Topeka, KS25% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $940/moSave $960/mo on rent
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8
El Paso, TX25% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $1,050/moSave $850/mo on rent
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Chicago at a glance

107
COL index
100 = US avg
$1,900
1BR rent
per month
$360K
Home price
median
4.9%
State tax
income

Cities with similar cost of living

Philadelphia, PACOL: 107Salt Lake City, UTCOL: 107Hartford, CTCOL: 107Eugene, ORCOL: 107

COL index sourced from Numbeo, Zillow, and BLS data · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only