salaryAlbuquerque is 8% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Chicago to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,401
$1,983
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,284
$1,622
💵 Families earn per year
$73,680
$84,017
🔑 Buying a house
$291,500
$334,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.5
103.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,678
$4,943
⚡ Electric bill per month
$94
$90
👥 People living there
562,218
2,711,226
Commute to work
22.4 min
33.1 min
College degree
39.2%
44.3%
Own their home
61.8%
46%
Below poverty line
15.5%
16.8%
Unemployment
5.4%
8%
Bottom line
- Pick Albuquerque for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Albuquerque | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $42,420 | $82,820 | +95% in Chicago |
| Electrician | $59,120 | $102,350 | +73% in Chicago |
| Plumber | $63,900 | $103,380 | +62% in Chicago |
| Police Officer | $73,380 | $107,810 | +47% in Chicago |
| Lawyer | $114,610 | $165,660 | +45% in Chicago |
| HVAC Technician | $57,110 | $77,960 | +37% in Chicago |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $57,370 | $78,070 | +36% in Chicago |
| Carpenter | $60,080 | $80,440 | +34% in Chicago |
Frequently asked questions
Is Albuquerque or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Albuquerque is about 8% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,401 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match $60,000 in Albuquerque?
About $65,055 a year gives the same standard of living in Chicago.
Where do people earn more, Albuquerque or Chicago?
The typical household earns $73,680 in Albuquerque and $84,017 in Chicago, 12% more in Chicago.