Quick answer
Overall prices in the Chicago, IL metro were 103.6 vs 111.9 in San Diego, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Chicago is 7.4% less expensive than San Diego; housing rents differ by 38% (112.0 vs 179.3). A $75,000 income in Chicago buys about what $81,003 buys in San Diego, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Chicago | San Diego | Chicago vs San Diego |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 103.6 | 111.9 | -7.4% |
| Goods | 107.3 | 108.0 | -0.7% |
| Housing (rents) | 112.0 | 179.3 | -37.5% |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 174.2 | -52.0% |
| Other services | 100.5 | 99.6 | +0.9% |
| All items, 2008 | 105.4 | 113.7 | -7.3% |
| $50,000 in Chicago equals in San Diego | $54,002 | ||
| $100,000 in Chicago equals in San Diego | $108,004 | ||
| $150,000 in Chicago equals in San Diego | $162,006 |
Related
- 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 Francisco, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs San Jose, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs St. Louis, MO (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Tampa, FL (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.