Quick answer
Overall prices in the Chicago, IL metro were 103.6 vs 108.3 in Boston, MA in 2024 (US = 100), so Chicago is 4.3% less expensive than Boston; housing rents differ by 25% (112.0 vs 148.4). A $75,000 income in Chicago buys about what $78,382 buys in Boston, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Chicago | Boston | Chicago vs Boston |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 103.6 | 108.3 | -4.3% |
| Goods | 107.3 | 99.7 | +7.6% |
| Housing (rents) | 112.0 | 148.4 | -24.5% |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 148.8 | -43.8% |
| Other services | 100.5 | 103.6 | -3.0% |
| All items, 2008 | 105.4 | 107.7 | -2.1% |
| $50,000 in Chicago equals in Boston | $52,254 | ||
| $100,000 in Chicago equals in Boston | $104,509 | ||
| $150,000 in Chicago equals in Boston | $156,763 |
Related
- Cost of living in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH vs US average (2024)
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs Buffalo, NY (2024)
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs Charlotte, NC (2024)
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs Cincinnati, OH (2024)
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs Cleveland, OH (2024)
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs Columbus, OH (2024)
- Cost of living: Dallas, TX vs Boston, MA (2024)
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs Denver, CO (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.