Chicago vs San Diego: cost of living compared
San Diego is 34% 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
Moving from Chicago to San Diego means facing a significantly higher overall cost of living. San Diego's expenses are noticeably greater than the national average, while Chicago's are closer to it. This substantial difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are dramatically higher in San Diego, making it the most impactful factor on a household budget when comparing these two major metros.
Housing
Housing costs present the biggest contrast. Both buying a home and renting a one-bedroom apartment are considerably more expensive in San Diego. Chicago offers more affordable options, often with older, more established housing stock, including many multi-unit buildings. San Diego's housing, while often newer and reflecting a coastal aesthetic, comes at a much higher premium for both ownership and rental, creating a substantial financial gap.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses also show a clear difference. San Diego has higher costs for food, healthcare, utilities, and miscellaneous goods and services. Transportation costs are roughly similar, though San Diego's commute times are slightly shorter. Illinois has a state income tax, but California's state income tax rate is noticeably higher, impacting take-home pay for many residents in San Diego.
Lifestyle trade-offs
These metros offer distinct lifestyles. Chicago experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters, and boasts extensive public transit, making car-free living feasible in many areas. San Diego enjoys a mild, temperate climate year-round and is more car-dependent, though it has some public transport options. Chicago is a dense, bustling urban center, while San Diego offers a more relaxed, coastal pace with a strong outdoor focus.
Bottom line
A move from Chicago to San Diego would necessitate a substantial increase in income to maintain a similar standard of living, largely due to the dramatic difference in housing costs. While everyday expenses like food and utilities are also higher in San Diego, and state income taxes are more impactful, housing remains the primary financial hurdle. Chicago offers a more budget-friendly urban experience compared to San Diego's premium coastal living.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 158 |
| Housing index | 97 | 214 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 109 |
| Food index | 105 | 110 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 102 | 138 |
| Misc index | 108 | 115 |
| Median home price | $318,000 | $835,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $2,650/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific San Diego home with the True Cost Calculator.