Quick answer
Overall prices in the Chicago, IL metro were 103.6 vs 106.4 in Riverside, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Chicago is 2.7% less expensive than Riverside; housing rents differ by 13% (112.0 vs 129.3). A $75,000 income in Chicago buys about what $77,061 buys in Riverside, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Chicago | Riverside | Chicago vs Riverside |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 103.6 | 106.4 | -2.7% |
| Goods | 107.3 | 101.4 | +5.7% |
| Housing (rents) | 112.0 | 129.3 | -13.4% |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 148.6 | -43.8% |
| Other services | 100.5 | 101.3 | -0.8% |
| All items, 2008 | 105.4 | 106.3 | -0.8% |
| $50,000 in Chicago equals in Riverside | $51,374 | ||
| $100,000 in Chicago equals in Riverside | $102,748 | ||
| $150,000 in Chicago equals in Riverside | $154,122 |
Related
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Providence, RI (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Raleigh, NC (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Richmond, VA (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Sacramento, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Salt Lake City, UT (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs San Antonio, TX (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs San Diego, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs San Francisco, CA (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.