Chicago vs Los Angeles: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Chicago's median home value is $304,500 — 63% lower than Los Angeles's $822,600.
Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago versus $76,244 in Los Angeles.
Typical rent runs $1,314 in Chicago and $1,791 in Los Angeles.
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,721,914 | 3,881,041 |
| Median home value | $304,500 | $822,600 |
| Median household income | $71,673 | $76,244 |
| Median gross rent | $1,314 | $1,791 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Very High |
On housing costs, Chicago, IL looks more affordable than Los Angeles, CA — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.