salaryChicago is 3% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Sacramento to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$2,152
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,950
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$94,176
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$506,300
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
106.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$3,842
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$127
👥 People living there
2,711,226
528,706
Commute to work
33.1 min
25.3 min
College degree
44.3%
37.1%
Own their home
46%
51.7%
Below poverty line
16.8%
13.9%
Unemployment
8%
6.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Sacramento for higher incomes, shorter commutes, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Sacramento | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $100,490 | $171,460 | +71% in Sacramento |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $65,210 | -37% in Sacramento |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $103,390 | +32% in Sacramento |
| Medical Assistant | $47,270 | $61,970 | +31% in Sacramento |
| Nurse Practitioner | $131,740 | $172,010 | +31% in Sacramento |
| Civil Engineer | $100,160 | $130,150 | +30% in Sacramento |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $74,830 | -27% in Sacramento |
| Physician Assistant | $127,940 | $161,470 | +26% in Sacramento |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Chicago is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,983 a month there versus $2,152 in Sacramento.
What salary do I need in Sacramento to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $61,781 a year gives the same standard of living in Sacramento.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Sacramento?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $94,176 in Sacramento, 11% more in Sacramento.