Chicago vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 8% cheaper than Chicago overall. State income tax tops out around 4.65% in UT vs 4.95% in IL.
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
Overall, the cost of living in Chicago is somewhat higher than in Salt Lake City. While housing costs are a major factor driving this difference, with Chicago being noticeably more affordable for home purchases, other categories like transportation, food, and healthcare also contribute to the gap. Salt Lake City generally offers a more budget-friendly environment across many everyday expenses, despite its higher housing prices for buyers.
Housing
For those looking to purchase a home, Chicago presents a significantly lower median price point compared to Salt Lake City. However, when it comes to renting a one-bedroom apartment, the monthly costs are roughly similar, with Salt Lake City being slightly less expensive. Chicago's housing stock often includes a mix of historic buildings and high-rise developments, while Salt Lake City features more single-family homes and newer constructions.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation are considerably higher in Chicago, reflecting its extensive public transit system and urban density, while Salt Lake City's transportation costs are much lower. Food and healthcare expenses are somewhat more expensive in Chicago, and utilities are also a bit higher. State income tax rates are quite similar in both locations, with Chicago's state having a slightly higher top marginal rate.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Chicago offers a distinct four-season climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, alongside a dense urban environment and a robust public transportation network. Salt Lake City, nestled in a mountain valley, experiences dry, snowy winters and hot, dry summers, with a more car-dependent lifestyle and access to outdoor recreation. The pace of life in Chicago is generally faster and more metropolitan.
Bottom line
Moving between these metros means a notable shift in your household budget. While Salt Lake City offers a more favorable overall cost of living and lower everyday expenses, particularly for transportation, purchasing a home there will likely require a much larger investment than in Chicago. Renters will find similar costs. Your spending patterns and housing choices will heavily influence the financial impact of such a move.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 108 |
| Housing index | 97 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 89 |
| Food index | 105 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 102 | 95 |
| Misc index | 108 | 95 |
| Median home price | $318,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 24 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Salt Lake City home with the True Cost Calculator.