Chicago Cost of Living Calculator

Our calculator uses current market data from reliable sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Zillow, Numbeo, and local Chicago market reports. While it provides a solid estimate, actual costs may vary based on specific lifestyle choices, neighborhood variations, and market fluctuations.

The calculator considers Chicago-specific factors including:

• Neighborhood housing price variations
• Chicago sales tax (10.25%)
• Illinois state income tax
• Public transportation costs (CTA, Metra)
• Seasonal utility costs (heating in winter, cooling in summer)
• City-specific entertainment and dining costs

Chicago generally falls in the middle range among major U.S. cities – more affordable than New York or San Francisco but more expensive than many southern or midwestern cities. Our comparison feature shows exactly how your estimated costs stack up against other locations worldwide.

Yes! The calculator includes a “Model Year” option that adjusts calculations based on projected inflation rates and market trends. This helps you plan for future moves or budget for increasing costs over time.

We update our underlying data quarterly to reflect current market conditions. The calculator also incorporates seasonal adjustments for more accurate estimates throughout the year.