Question 1

Is Chicago or San Francisco cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Chicago, IL is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $1,572/month less than in San Francisco, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,781/mo in Chicago versus $3,604/mo in San Francisco.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Chicago vs San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $81,000/year before tax in Chicago, IL and $118,000/year in San Francisco, CA — a difference of about $37,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Chicago or San Francisco 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 $15,429/month in San Francisco, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Chicago or San Francisco?

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	San Francisco58
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,293	$5,865
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,545	$15,429
Salary for comfort	$81,000/yr	$118,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,781	$3,604
Median home value	$315,200	$1,380,500
Median household income	$75,134	$141,446
Unemployment	5.9%	3.7%
Housing score	52	12
Jobs score	7	69
Safety score	66	62
Climate score	89	100
Amenities score	73	85
Population	2.7M	836.3K
Summer high / winter low	85° / 21°	67° / 46°

Chicago, IL vs San Francisco, CA