2026 city cost profile
Cost of Living in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois has an overall cost of living index of 113.6, which is 14% above the national average.
Index
113.6
14% above the national average
Key stats
Index
113.6
National average = 100
Rent
$2,375
Estimated average monthly rent
Home price
$377,000
Estimated median home price
Income
$84,000
Estimated median household income
Category breakdown
Category indexes use 100 as the U.S. national average baseline.
| Category | City index | National average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 128 | 100 | +28.0% |
| Groceries | 106 | 100 | +6.0% |
| Transportation | 112 | 100 | +12.0% |
| Healthcare | 104 | 100 | +4.0% |
| Utilities | 101 | 100 | +1.0% |
| Miscellaneous | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
Salary needed
Single adult
$91,000
Estimated comfortable annual salary
Family of four
$200,000
Estimated comfortable annual salary
Monthly budget examples
Single
$5,130
Couple
$8,520
Family
$12,000
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Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: Q1 2026
Data as of Q1 2026. Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, HUD Fair Market Rents.
Cost of living indexes use the national average as baseline (100). Data is updated periodically.