Chicago, IL vs Fresno, CA
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
Chicago and Fresno sit close to each other across the headline cost-of-living indicators — typical homes within 10% of each other, median incomes within 11%. The relocation math comes down to non-housing factors: taxes, commute, climate, and personal preference. State income-tax burden also tilts toward Chicago — a top rate of 5.0% versus 13.3% — which compounds at higher incomes.
Median Home Value
$315,200 ✓
$348,500
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$386,426
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo
$1,324/mo ✓
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
49.7%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
21.9x
Median Household Income
$75,134 ✓
$66,804
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$31,012
Unemployment Rate
7.9% ✓
8.7%
Poverty Rate
16.8%
20.9%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
23.8 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
73.7%
Public Transit %
19.3%
1.3%
Work From Home %
18.3%
10.2%
State Income Tax
5.0%
13.3%
Total Sales Tax
8.7%
8.7% ✓
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
0.7%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.9%
16.7%
Median Age
35.7
32.4
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
—
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
11.4"
Chicago, IL 3 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Household Income
- ✓Unemployment Rate
Fresno, CA 2 wins
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Total Sales Tax
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