Cost of Living: Cape Coral vs Chicago (2026)
Cape Coral has a 10% lower overall cost of living than Chicago as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,750/mo in Cape Coral vs $1,900/mo in Chicago — a 8% difference. Cape Coral has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in Chicago (4.9% rate).
- Cape Coral is 10% cheaper overall (COL index: 96 vs 107)
- 1BR rent: $1,750/mo in Cape Coral vs $1,900/mo — 8% savings
- Cape Coral has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: Chicago ($67,000/yr vs $58,000/yr)
- Median home price: $360,000 in Chicago vs $370,000 — 3% difference
| Category | Cape Coral Florida | Chicago Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,400Best | $1,500 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,750Best | $1,900 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,300Best | $2,600 |
| Median home price | $370K | $360KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 98Best | 102 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $14Best | $15 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $56Best | $60 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $48Best | $105 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.25Best | $3.40 |
| Car insurance/mo | $205 | $165Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $198 | $165Best |
| Internet/mo | $65Best | $65 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $58K | $67KBest |
| State income tax% | 0.0%Best | 4.9% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 7.5%Best | 10.3% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $15.00Best | $16.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $38Best | $45 |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.00Best | $7.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 96Best | 107 |
| Walk score / 100 | 15 | 78Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Cape Coral cheaper than Chicago?
Yes. Cape Coral is 10% cheaper than Chicago based on overall cost of living indices (96 vs 107, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Cape Coral vs Chicago?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Cape Coral is $1,750/month and in Chicago is $1,900/month. Cape Coral is cheaper by 8%.
How much do I need to earn in Chicago to match a $75,000 salary in Cape Coral?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $83,594/year in Chicago to match a $75,000 salary in Cape Coral. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Cape Coral or Chicago?
Cape Coral has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 4.9%. Cape Coral has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Cape Coral to Chicago?
It depends on your priorities. Cape Coral offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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