Chicago, IL vs Merced, CA
Cost of Living Comparison
Merced, CA is more affordable by 5.3 index points
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Chicago, IL | Merced, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 103.6 | 98.3 | +5.3 |
| Housing | 112.0 | 78.6 | +33.4 |
| Goods | 107.3 | 105.2 | +2.1 |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 158.3 | -74.8 |
| Other Services | 100.5 | 100.3 | +0.2 |
Income & Housing Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $85,087 | $64,772 |
| Median Home Value | $288,400 | $342,300 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,310 | $1,200 |
| Per Capita Income | $45,977 | $26,869 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago, IL or Merced, CA cheaper to live in?
Merced, CA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 5.3 index points (Chicago, IL: 103.6, Merced, CA: 98.3).
Where is housing cheaper, Chicago, IL or Merced, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Merced, CA. Housing index: Chicago, IL (112.0) vs Merced, CA (78.6).