salaryChicago is 10% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Irvine to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$3,405
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$3,344
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$147,451
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$1,191,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
113.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$9,543
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$113
👥 People living there
2,711,226
311,690
Commute to work
33.1 min
24.7 min
College degree
44.3%
70.6%
Own their home
46%
44.5%
Below poverty line
16.8%
10.8%
Unemployment
8%
5.9%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Irvine for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Irvine | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $100,490 | $135,560 | +35% in Irvine |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $71,110 | -31% in Irvine |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $101,860 | +30% in Irvine |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $73,810 | -28% in Irvine |
| Physician Assistant | $127,940 | $161,890 | +27% in Irvine |
| Dental Hygienist | $100,260 | $122,980 | +23% in Irvine |
| Nurse Practitioner | $131,740 | $161,470 | +23% in Irvine |
| Software Developer | $134,380 | $160,920 | +20% in Irvine |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Chicago is about 10% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,983 a month there versus $3,405 in Irvine.
What salary do I need in Irvine to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $65,775 a year gives the same standard of living in Irvine.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Irvine?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $147,451 in Irvine, 43% more in Irvine.