Chicago, IL vs Sacramento, CA
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
Housing in Sacramento runs about 35% above Chicago, but Sacramento earns more at the median (10% higher), partly offsetting the cost difference — the standard tradeoff between cost and earnings that shapes most US city-to-city moves. 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 ✓
$484,600
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$472,863
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo ✓
$1,694/mo
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
51.5%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
23.8x
Median Household Income
$75,134
$83,753 ✓
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$42,300
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
6.2% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
14.4%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
27.2 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
65.5%
Public Transit %
19.3%
1.9%
Work From Home %
18.3%
17.8%
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%
22.9%
Median Age
35.7
35.7
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
—
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
20.4"
Chicago, IL 2 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
Sacramento, CA 3 wins
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Median Household Income
- ✓Unemployment Rate
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