Question 1

Is Chicago or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Chicago, IL is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $1,036/month less than in Los Angeles, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,781/mo in Chicago versus $2,903/mo in Los Angeles.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Chicago vs Los Angeles?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $81,000/year before tax in Chicago, IL and $105,000/year in Los Angeles, CA — a difference of about $24,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Chicago or Los Angeles cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Chicago, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,545/month in Chicago and $12,135/month in Los Angeles, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Chicago or Los Angeles?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Chicago costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Chicago61	Los Angeles49
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,293	$5,329
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,545	$12,135
Salary for comfort	$81,000/yr	$105,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,781	$2,903
Median home value	$315,200	$879,500
Median household income	$75,134	$80,366
Unemployment	5.9%	5.3%
Housing score	52	1
Jobs score	7	20
Safety score	66	47
Climate score	89	100
Amenities score	73	100
Population	2.7M	3.9M
Summer high / winter low	85° / 21°	83° / 48°

Chicago, IL vs Los Angeles, CA