salaryAbout the sameBased 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
$1,651
$1,983
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,565
$1,622
💵 Families earn per year
$111,392
$84,017
🔑 Buying a house
$395,900
$334,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
105.4
103.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,982
$4,943
⚡ Electric bill per month
$136
$90
👥 People living there
288,976
2,711,226
Commute to work
18.8 min
33.1 min
College degree
38.7%
44.3%
Own their home
63.9%
46%
Below poverty line
8.9%
16.8%
Unemployment
4.6%
8%
Bottom line
- Pick Anchorage for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 3 more.
- Pick Chicago for cheaper homes, a more educated workforce.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Anchorage | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $104,030 | $134,380 | +29% in Chicago |
| Firefighter | $64,810 | $82,820 | +28% in Chicago |
| Dental Hygienist | $132,740 | $100,260 | -24% in Chicago |
| Electrician | $82,440 | $102,350 | +24% in Chicago |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $26,080 | $31,200 | +20% in Chicago |
| Market Research Analyst | $68,720 | $80,400 | +17% in Chicago |
| Nurse Practitioner | $157,430 | $131,740 | -16% in Chicago |
| Physician Assistant | $152,710 | $127,940 | -16% in Chicago |
Frequently asked questions
Is Anchorage or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Anchorage and Chicago cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match $60,000 in Anchorage?
About $58,961 a year gives the same standard of living in Chicago.
Where do people earn more, Anchorage or Chicago?
The typical household earns $111,392 in Anchorage and $84,017 in Chicago, 33% more in Anchorage.