Cost of Living: Los Angeles vs Chicago (2026)
Compare cost of living: Los Angeles vs Chicago. Rent, groceries, transport, and salary equivalents. Chicago is 27% cheaper.
Los Angeles is approximately 27% more expensive than Chicago overall. Moving from Los Angeles to Chicago could save you $9000+/year in rent alone. This comparison breaks down every major expense category so you can decide where your money goes further.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
Compare cost of living Los Angeles vs Chicago including housing, groceries, transportation, and taxes. This comparison calculator shows whether Los Angeles or Chicago is more affordable and how far your salary stretches in each city.
| Category | Los Angeles | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 166 | 131 | +27% |
| Median 1BR Rent | $2,600/mo | $1,850/mo | +$750 |
| Median Salary | $65,000 | $62,000 | +$3,000 |
| Groceries (weekly) | $108 | $95 | +$13 |
| Transportation (monthly) | $125 | $105 | +$20 |
Index base: 100 = national average. Use our Cost of Living Calculator for a personalized comparison.
Salary Needed to Maintain Your Lifestyle
If you earn $75,000 in Los Angeles, you would need approximately $59,187 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of living. Conversely, $75,000 in Chicago requires $95,038 in Los Angeles.
| Salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Chicago |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $39,458 |
| $75,000 | $59,187 |
| $100,000 | $78,916 |
| $125,000 | $98,645 |
| $150,000 | $118,373 |
Compare take-home pay: Take-Home Pay Calculator
Housing Deep Dive
Housing is the biggest cost difference. Median 1-bedroom rent is $2,600 in Los Angeles vs $1,850 in Chicago — $750/month or $9,000/year. If buying, use our Home Affordability Calculator to compare purchasing power in each city.