salaryChicago is 8% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Diego to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$3,011
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$2,589
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$116,561
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$906,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
111.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$5,945
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$131
👥 People living there
2,711,226
1,389,526
Commute to work
33.1 min
23.5 min
College degree
44.3%
51%
Own their home
46%
47.3%
Below poverty line
16.8%
11%
Unemployment
8%
6%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick San Diego for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $100,490 | $139,520 | +39% in San Diego |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $72,510 | -30% in San Diego |
| Physician Assistant | $127,940 | $165,160 | +29% in San Diego |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $76,160 | -26% in San Diego |
| Nurse Practitioner | $131,740 | $163,860 | +24% in San Diego |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $97,000 | +24% in San Diego |
| Dental Hygienist | $100,260 | $123,790 | +23% in San Diego |
| Software Developer | $134,380 | $163,270 | +21% in San Diego |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or San Diego cheaper to live in?
Chicago is about 8% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,983 a month there versus $3,011 in San Diego.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $64,803 a year gives the same standard of living in San Diego.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or San Diego?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $116,561 in San Diego, 28% more in San Diego.