Chicago, IL vs Long Beach, CA
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
The headline difference between these two markets is housing: a typical home in Chicago runs $315,000 versus $762,000 in Long Beach, a 59% gap that dominates most relocation math. 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 ✓
$762,200
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$847,495
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo ✓
$1,803/mo
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
40.9%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
35.2x
Median Household Income
$75,134
$83,969 ✓
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$42,370
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
6.5% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
15.0%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
32.9 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
68.3%
Public Transit %
19.3%
3.9%
Work From Home %
18.3%
14.4%
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%
22.3%
Median Age
35.7
36.8
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
73.9°F
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
12"
Chicago, IL 2 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
Long Beach, CA 3 wins
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Median Household Income
- ✓Unemployment Rate
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