City Comparison · Updated May 2026
United States
COL index 82.4
United States
COL index 88.2
Chicago vs Los Angeles — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Chicago is 6.6% cheaper than Los Angeles for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Chicago | Metric | Los Angeles | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 82.4 | Cost of living index | 88.2 | +7.0% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €41,511 | Net at €50,000 gross | €41,511 | 0.0% |
| €2,480 | Rent — 1BR centre | €2,980 | +20.2% |
| €3,461 | Monthly COL (single) | €4,030 | +16.4% |
| €50,377 | PPP — net / COL | €47,064 | -6.6% |
| 17.0% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 17.0% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in United States = €3,459 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Los Angeles, you would need roughly €53,778 gross in United States (≈ €3,703 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Lower rent (€2,480 vs €2,980)
- −High cost of living (index 82)
- +Favourable tax rate (17.0%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (71.7%)
- −High cost of living (index 88)
- +Favourable tax rate (17.0%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (86.1%)
The verdict
Across the data, Chicago carries a lower cost-of-living index; Chicago wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Chicago edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Chicago cheaper than Los Angeles?+
Chicago is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Chicago 82.4, Los Angeles 88.2 — a 6.6% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Chicago and Los Angeles?+
Chicago sits at 82.4 on our COL index, Los Angeles at 88.2. That works out to roughly 6.6% — Chicago being the cheaper of the two.
Is Chicago a good place to live compared to Los Angeles?+
It depends on priorities. Chicago delivers €41,511 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 17.0% effective tax rate. Los Angeles delivers €41,511 at 17.0%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,480 vs €2,980.
How do salaries compare in Chicago vs Los Angeles?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €41,511/year (€3,459/month) in Chicago and €41,511/year (€3,459/month) in Los Angeles.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Los Angeles?+
United States has the lower effective rate at €50,000: United States 17.0%, United States 17.0%.