City Cost of Living ReportIllinois (IL)
Chicago, IL Cost of Living
Detailed 2026 economic index for Chicago. Compare median home values ($335,000), average monthly rent ($2150/mo), local taxes, groceries, and salary conversion equivalents.
Overall COL Index
114.5
15% above US avgMedian Income$65,781
Median Home Price$335,000
Median Rent$2150/mo
Population2,665,039
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Cost Index Breakdown vs US Average (100)
Scores above 100 represent higher than national average costs; scores below 100 indicate greater affordability.
US Baseline = 100
Housing Index
+33% higher132.8
Food & Groceries
+4% higher104.2
Utilities
-2% lower98.4
Transportation
+22% higher122
Healthcare
+5% higher105.1
Itemized Cost Breakdown in Chicago
Monthly Groceries
| Gallon of Whole Milk | $3.65 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread | $3.10 |
| Dozen Large Eggs | $3.80 |
| Boneless Chicken Breast (1 lb) | $4.20 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.10 |
| Estimated Monthly Grocery Bill | $440/mo |
Utilities & Internet
| Electricity (900 sq ft apartment) | $140.00 |
| Water & Garbage Service | $55.00 |
| High-Speed Broadband Internet (60+ Mbps) | $65.00 |
| Natural Gas Heating | $95.00 |
| Average Monthly Utilities Total | $355/mo |
Transportation & Transit
| Regular Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.95 |
| Monthly Public Transit Pass | $75.00 |
| Taxi Initial Tariff | $3.25 |
| Average Commute Time | 34.8 mins |
| Est. Monthly Commuter Cost | $250/mo |
Healthcare & Medical
| Primary Care Doctor Visit | $130 |
| Dental Checkup & Cleaning | $115 |
| Optometrist Eye Exam | $105 |
| Average Prescription Rx | $50 |
| Individual Policy Monthly Premium | $430/mo |
Tax Structure in Chicago, IL
Understanding state income, local sales tax, and effective property tax burden.
State Income Tax
4.95%
Top state income tax bracketCombined Sales Tax
10.25%
State (6.25%) + Local (4%)Effective Property Tax
2.05%
Est. $6,867.5/yr on median homeFederal Tax Baseline
US Standard
Standard IRS tax brackets applyAdvertisementSlot #city-mid-rectangle
Interactive Historical Trends & Charts
Housing & Rent Inflation Trend (2020 – 2026)
Category Breakdown vs National Benchmark
Pros of Living in Chicago
- •Affordable world-class architecture and lakefront parks
- •Comprehensive CTA train ("L") and Metra rail network
- •Rich food scene (deep dish, Michelin stars, neighborhoods)
Cons of Living in Chicago
- •Chilly, windy winter months
- •High combined sales tax (10.25%) and Cook County property tax
Top Neighborhoods in Chicago
Lincoln Park
Historic tree-lined streets near Lake Michigan and zoo
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$2300/mo
Logan Square
Arts-heavy enclave with historic boulevard system
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$1950/mo
West Loop
Foodie paradise with tech offices and luxury loft apartments
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$2600/mo
Frequently Asked Questions — Living in Chicago, IL
Authoritative 2026 economic index, housing market, and salary questions.
The overall cost of living index for Chicago, IL is 114.5, benchmarked against the US national average baseline of 100. This means Chicago is 15% more expensive than the national average.