Cost of Living: San Francisco vs Chicago (2026)
Compare cost of living: San Francisco vs Chicago. Rent, groceries, transport, and salary equivalents. Chicago is 49% cheaper.
San Francisco is approximately 49% more expensive than Chicago overall. Moving from San Francisco to Chicago could save you $16200+/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 San Francisco vs Chicago including housing, groceries, transportation, and taxes. This comparison calculator shows whether San Francisco or Chicago is more affordable and how far your salary stretches in each city.
| Category | San Francisco | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 195 | 131 | +49% |
| Median 1BR Rent | $3,200/mo | $1,850/mo | +$1,350 |
| Median Salary | $85,000 | $62,000 | +$23,000 |
| Groceries (weekly) | $120 | $95 | +$25 |
| Transportation (monthly) | $130 | $105 | +$25 |
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 San Francisco, you would need approximately $50,385 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of living. Conversely, $75,000 in Chicago requires $111,641 in San Francisco.
| Salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Chicago |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $33,590 |
| $75,000 | $50,385 |
| $100,000 | $67,179 |
| $125,000 | $83,974 |
| $150,000 | $100,769 |
Compare take-home pay: Take-Home Pay Calculator
Housing Deep Dive
Housing is the biggest cost difference. Median 1-bedroom rent is $3,200 in San Francisco vs $1,850 in Chicago — $1,350/month or $16,200/year. If buying, use our Home Affordability Calculator to compare purchasing power in each city.