Chicago vs San Francisco: cost of living compared
San Francisco is 82% 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 Francisco means facing a significantly higher overall cost of living. San Francisco's expenses are substantially greater than Chicago's, with this difference largely stemming from housing. While other categories like transportation, food, and utilities are also more expensive in San Francisco, the dramatic disparity in housing costs is the primary factor driving the overall budget difference between these two major metropolitan areas.
Housing
Housing costs present the most striking difference. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are considerably more expensive in San Francisco than in Chicago. San Francisco's housing stock often features denser, older construction, while Chicago offers a broader mix. Beyond mortgage or rent, property taxes and insurance costs can also vary, contributing to the overall housing burden, which is much heavier in the Bay Area.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses are consistently higher in San Francisco. State income tax rates are also notably higher in California compared to Illinois. Transportation costs, including public transit and vehicle ownership, are greater in San Francisco, though average commute times are roughly similar. Groceries, healthcare services, and utility bills for electricity, gas, and water are all more expensive in San Francisco, impacting household budgets significantly.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are notable. San Francisco offers a milder, more temperate climate year-round, while Chicago experiences distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers. Both cities boast extensive public transportation networks, but San Francisco's hilly terrain and dense urban core create a different feel. Chicago is known for its expansive urban layout, whereas San Francisco is geographically constrained, leading to a more compact environment.
Bottom line
Relocating from Chicago to San Francisco entails a substantial increase in financial outlay across nearly all categories. The most significant impact will be on housing, which demands a much larger portion of income in San Francisco. While both cities offer vibrant urban experiences, a move to San Francisco requires a considerably higher income to maintain a similar standard of living, making careful budget planning essential for any household.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 215 |
| Housing index | 97 | 309 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 135 |
| Food index | 105 | 125 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 122 |
| Utilities index | 102 | 148 |
| Misc index | 108 | 138 |
| Median home price | $318,000 | $1,250,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $3,450/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific San Francisco home with the True Cost Calculator.