A detailed side-by-side comparison of the cost of living, housing prices, income levels, and overall affordability between Chicago, IL and San Francisco, CA.
IL
Population: 2,664,452
CA
Population: 808,988
National average = 100. Higher values indicate a more expensive area.
| Metric | Chicago, IL | San Francisco, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 190 | -44.7% |
| Median Home Price | $310,000 | $1,200,000 | -74.2% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.73% | 0.74% | +133.8% |
| Median Household Income | $66,576 | $126,187 | -47.2% |
| Population | 2,664,452 | 808,988 | +229.4% |
Chicago, IL is 44.7% cheaper to live in than San Francisco, CA, based on the overall cost of living index.
Home Price Difference
$890,000
Chicago, IL is cheaper by 74.2%
Income Difference
$59,611
San Francisco, CA earns more by 47.2%
Price-to-income ratio: median home price divided by median household income. A lower ratio indicates more affordable housing.
Chicago, IL
4.7x
$310,000 / $66,576
San Francisco, CA
9.5x
$1,200,000 / $126,187
Overall, Chicago, IL is the more affordable city to live in. With a cost of living index of 105 compared to 190, a median home price of $310,000, and a price-to-income ratio of 4.7x, Chicago, IL offers better value for residents looking to stretch their dollar further. However, the median household income in San Francisco, CA ($126,187) is higher, which may offset some of the cost differences.