Boston vs Chicago

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Illinois salaries

Living in Boston vs Chicago

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Chicago sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $310,000 in Chicago, a difference of $310,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,700 in Chicago.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boston scores 108 while Chicago scores 104.

Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Chicago (101).

Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $62,097 in Chicago. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.

Relocating: Boston vs Chicago

If you are considering a move between Boston (index: 162) and Chicago (index: 107), the 34% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Chicago is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Boston can afford $1,780/month, while the median household in Chicago can afford $1,449/month. With median homes at $620,000 in Boston versus $310,000 in Chicago, the higher-cost city presents significant affordability challenges.

Renting vs buying: At $2,800/month in Boston and $1,700/month in Chicago, renters save significantly in Chicago. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes significantly further in Chicago. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Boston (162) vs Chicago (107)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Boston at 162 is 62% above the US average, while Chicago at 107 is 7% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

The 55-point spread between Boston (162) and Chicago (107) is large enough to reshape a household budget entirely, especially for single-income families. The biggest category divergence is housing, where Boston scores 242 and Chicago scores 112. That 130-point gap is the primary driver of the overall cost difference between these two metros. Housing, the largest line item for most households, favors Chicago with indices of 112 versus 242. Median home prices of $620,000 in Boston and $310,000 in Chicago underscore this gap. Neither city is cheaper across the board: Boston has an edge in transportation, while Chicago is more affordable for housing and groceries. Your actual savings depend on which categories consume the biggest share of your personal budget.

For renters: With median rents of $2,800/month in Boston and $1,700/month in Chicago, the annual rent difference is approximately $13,200. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $66,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $310,000 difference in median home prices between Boston and Chicago translates to roughly $18,600 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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