Chicago vs Boston
Cost of Living (2026)

Chicago is 51% less expensive than Boston.

Enter your salary → get exact comparison

At a glance

Chicago, IL

COL index107 ✓
State income tax4.95% ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,650/mo ✓
Median home price$330K ✓
VS

Boston, MA

COL index162
State income tax5%
Avg 1BR rent$2,900/mo
Median home price$720K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryChicago indexBoston indexDifference
Housing139 ✓214+75%
Groceries101 ✓152+51%
Transportation102 ✓151+49%
Healthcare104 ✓156+52%
Utilities101 ✓144+43%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Chicago → Boston

What salary in Boston gives you the same purchasing power as your Chicago salary?

Salary in ChicagoEquivalent in BostonDifference
$60,000$91,000+$31,000
$80,000$121,000+$41,000
$100,000$152,000+$52,000
$130,000$197,000+$67,000
$150,000$227,000+$77,000
$200,000$303,000+$103,000

Chicago vs Boston: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Chicago, IL and Boston, MA, Chicago comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 107 versus 162 for Boston — a difference of approximately 51%.

State income tax impact

Chicago workers pay 4.95% Illinois state income tax, while Boston workers pay 5%.

Housing costs

The median home price in Chicago is $330,000, compared to $720,000 in Boston. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,650/month in Chicago versus $2,900/month in Boston.

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