Question 1

Is Chicago or Sacramento cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Chicago, IL is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $506/month less than in Sacramento, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,781/mo in Chicago versus $2,255/mo in Sacramento.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Chicago vs Sacramento?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $81,000/year before tax in Chicago, IL and $92,500/year in Sacramento, CA — a difference of about $11,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Chicago or Sacramento 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 $11,838/month in Sacramento, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Chicago or Sacramento?

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	Sacramento60
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,293	$4,799
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,545	$11,838
Salary for comfort	$81,000/yr	$92,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,781	$2,255
Median home value	$315,200	$484,600
Median household income	$75,134	$83,753
Unemployment	5.9%	4.9%
Housing score	52	24
Jobs score	7	32
Safety score	66	67
Climate score	89	98
Amenities score	73	83
Population	2.7M	524.8K
Summer high / winter low	85° / 21°	93° / 41°

Chicago, IL vs Sacramento, CA