Chicago vs Sacramento: cost of living compared
Sacramento is 8% more expensive than Chicago overall. State income tax tops out around 4.95% in IL vs 9.3% in CA.
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
Comparing Chicago and Sacramento reveals a noticeable difference in overall living expenses. Sacramento generally presents a higher cost of living, driven primarily by its housing market. While some categories are roughly similar, the significant gap in home prices and rental costs makes Sacramento the more expensive option when considering a move, with other daily expenses also contributing to the difference.
Housing
Housing costs show a substantial divergence. Chicago offers home prices well below the national average, making it a more affordable place to purchase property, and its rental market is also more budget-friendly. Sacramento's housing, both for buying and renting, is considerably more expensive, with median home prices notably higher. This difference is the largest factor in the overall cost comparison.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary between the two metros. Sacramento has a higher state income tax burden compared to Chicago. Transportation costs are lower in Sacramento, while Chicago's are higher. Food expenses are slightly more in Sacramento, and utilities are noticeably pricier there. Healthcare costs are roughly similar in both locations, indicating that many routine expenditures will be higher in Sacramento.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are notable. Chicago experiences distinct seasons, including cold winters and warm summers, and offers extensive public transit. Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, and is generally more car-dependent, though it has some transit options. Chicago is a larger, denser city with a faster pace, while Sacramento offers a somewhat more relaxed atmosphere.
Bottom line
Moving between these metros means a clear shift in financial outlay. A household budget will stretch further in Chicago, mainly due to its more affordable housing market. While some daily costs like transportation are lower in Sacramento, the combined impact of higher housing, utilities, and state income taxes means that Sacramento generally requires a larger income to maintain a similar standard of living.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 128 |
| Housing index | 97 | 132 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 110 |
| Food index | 105 | 108 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 102 | 125 |
| Misc index | 108 | 105 |
| Median home price | $318,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $1,750/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 30 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Sacramento home with the True Cost Calculator.