Atlanta vs Chicago: cost of living compared
Chicago is 9% more expensive than Atlanta overall. State income tax tops out around 4.95% in IL vs 5.49% in GA.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving from Atlanta to Chicago generally means a higher overall cost of living. Chicago's expenses are noticeably higher across many categories, contributing to a significantly greater overall index. While some individual costs might seem similar, the cumulative effect makes Chicago a more expensive place to reside, driven by higher costs in several key areas compared to Atlanta's more moderate expenses.
Housing
For housing, buying a home is considerably more affordable in Chicago, with median prices notably lower than in Atlanta. However, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago is slightly more expensive than in Atlanta. Both cities offer a mix of housing types, from urban apartments to suburban homes. Property taxes and insurance costs can vary, impacting the true cost of homeownership beyond the initial purchase price.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses differ, with Chicago generally having higher costs for food, healthcare, and utilities compared to Atlanta. Transportation costs are also higher in Chicago, though both metros have significant commute times. State income tax rates are slightly lower in Illinois than in Georgia, which could offer a small offset to other higher daily spending categories in Chicago.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Atlanta offers a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, while Chicago experiences distinct four seasons, including cold, snowy winters. Both are major urban centers, but Chicago's public transit system is more extensive, allowing for easier car-free living in many areas. Atlanta is more car-dependent, though it has growing transit options. Chicago's urban core is denser, while Atlanta is more spread out.
Bottom line
Households moving from Atlanta to Chicago should anticipate a higher overall financial outlay. While home purchase prices are lower in Chicago, many other daily and recurring expenses, including rent, food, and transportation, are generally higher. The slight advantage in state income tax in Illinois may not fully compensate for the increased costs across most other budget categories, requiring careful financial planning for the transition.
| Measure | Atlanta, GA | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 118 |
| Housing index | 105 | 97 |
| Transportation index | 116 | 121 |
| Food index | 98 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 102 |
| Misc index | 98 | 108 |
| Median home price | $378,000 | $318,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 33 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Chicago home with the True Cost Calculator.