Cost of Living: San Francisco vs Chicago (2026)
Chicago has a 81% lower overall cost of living than San Francisco as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,900/mo in Chicago vs $3,600/mo in San Francisco — a 89% difference. Chicago has a lower state income tax rate (4.9% vs 9.3%), which adds up over time.
- Chicago is 81% cheaper overall (COL index: 194 vs 107)
- 1BR rent: $1,900/mo in Chicago vs $3,600/mo — 47% savings
- Higher median household income: San Francisco ($130,000/yr vs $67,000/yr)
- Median home price: $360,000 in Chicago vs $1,200,000 — 70% difference
| Category | San Francisco California | Chicago Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $2,900 | $1,500Best |
| 1BR rent/mo | $3,600 | $1,900Best |
| 2BR rent/mo | $5,200 | $2,600Best |
| Median home price | $1.2M | $360KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 118 | 102Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $22 | $15Best |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $90 | $60Best |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $100Best | $105 |
| Gas price/gal | $4.80 | $3.40Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $180 | $165Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $160Best | $165 |
| Internet/mo | $70 | $65Best |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $130KBest | $67K |
| State income tax% | 9.3% | 4.9%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 8.6%Best | 10.3% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $18.00 | $16.00Best |
| Gym membership/mo | $75 | $45Best |
| Beer at restaurant | $9.00 | $7.00Best |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 194 | 107Best |
| Walk score / 100 | 87Best | 78 |
Frequently asked questions
Is San Francisco cheaper than Chicago?
No. Chicago is 81% cheaper than San Francisco based on overall cost of living indices (107 vs 194, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in San Francisco vs Chicago?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in San Francisco is $3,600/month and in Chicago is $1,900/month. San Francisco is more expensive by 89%.
How much do I need to earn in Chicago to match a $75,000 salary in San Francisco?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $41,366/year in Chicago to match a $75,000 salary in San Francisco. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — San Francisco or Chicago?
Chicago has the lower state income tax rate at 4.9% vs 9.3%. The difference is 4.4 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from San Francisco to Chicago?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago offers lower overall costs, 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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