salaryChicago is 5% 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
$2,666
$1,983
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,805
$1,622
💵 Families earn per year
$153,270
$84,017
🔑 Buying a house
$895,000
$334,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.9
103.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$8,153
$4,943
⚡ Electric bill per month
$101
$90
👥 People living there
236,254
2,711,226
Commute to work
26.2 min
33.1 min
College degree
77.1%
44.3%
Own their home
41.3%
46%
Below poverty line
7.4%
16.8%
Unemployment
3.3%
8%
Bottom line
- Pick Arlington for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
- Pick Chicago for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Arlington | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $71,860 | $103,380 | +44% in Chicago |
| Electrician | $75,930 | $102,350 | +35% in Chicago |
| Carpenter | $60,800 | $80,440 | +32% in Chicago |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $46,040 | $31,200 | -32% in Chicago |
| Operations Manager | $156,460 | $109,390 | -30% in Chicago |
| Police Officer | $84,000 | $107,810 | +28% in Chicago |
| Firefighter | $66,980 | $82,820 | +24% in Chicago |
| Accountant | $102,140 | $82,360 | -19% in Chicago |
Frequently asked questions
Is Arlington or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Chicago is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,983 a month there versus $2,666 in Arlington.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match $60,000 in Arlington?
About $57,086 a year gives the same standard of living in Chicago.
Where do people earn more, Arlington or Chicago?
The typical household earns $153,270 in Arlington and $84,017 in Chicago, 82% more in Arlington.