Side-by-side comparison

Chicago vs Fresno

Cost of living comparison for Chicago, Illinois and Fresno, California.

Bottom line

Chicago is approximately 15% more expensive than Fresno. A single person needs about $3,707/mo in Chicago versus $3,226/mo in Fresno.

Rent in Chicago vs Fresno

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Chicago · Studio

$1,458

Fresno · Studio

$1,210

Chicago is $248 (20%) higher than Fresno

Chicago · 1 bedroom

$1,560

Fresno · 1 bedroom

$1,217

Chicago is $343 (28%) higher than Fresno

Chicago · 2 bedroom

$1,761

Fresno · 2 bedroom

$1,505

Chicago is $256 (17%) higher than Fresno

Chicago · 3 bedroom

$2,262

Fresno · 3 bedroom

$2,109

Chicago is $153 (7%) higher than Fresno

Income & earnings in Chicago vs Fresno

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Chicago · Household income

$81,797

Fresno · Household income

$71,434

Chicago is $10,363 (15%) higher than Fresno

Chicago · Individual earnings

$49,298

Fresno · Individual earnings

$38,046

Chicago is $11,252 (30%) higher than Fresno

Chicago · Per capita

$47,801

Fresno · Per capita

$31,777

Chicago is $16,024 (50%) higher than Fresno

Home values in Chicago vs Fresno

Average values and property tax.

Chicago · Average home value

$305,200

Fresno · Average home value

$362,600

Fresno is $57,400 (19%) higher than Chicago

Chicago · Annual property tax

$6,053

Fresno · Annual property tax

$2,704

Chicago is $3,349 (124%) higher than Fresno

Energy in Chicago vs Fresno

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Chicago · Monthly electricity

$116

Fresno · Monthly electricity

$167

Fresno is $51 (44%) higher than Chicago

Chicago · Monthly gas

$61

Fresno · Monthly gas

$50

Chicago is $11 (22%) higher than Fresno

Chicago · Annual total

$2,124

Fresno · Annual total

$2,604

Fresno is $480 (23%) higher than Chicago

Healthcare in Chicago vs Fresno

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Chicago · Individual premium

$480

Fresno · Individual premium

$480

Chicago and Fresno are about the same

Chicago · Family premium

$1,350

Fresno · Family premium

$1,350

Chicago and Fresno are about the same

Chicago · Uninsured rate

9.0%

Fresno · Uninsured rate

7.0%

Chicago is 2.0% (29%) higher than Fresno

Taxes in Chicago vs Fresno

State income and sales tax.

Chicago · State income tax

5.0%

Fresno · State income tax

13.3%

Fresno is 8.4% (169%) higher than Chicago

Chicago · State sales tax

6.3%

Fresno · State sales tax

7.3%

Fresno is 1.0% (16%) higher than Chicago

Chicago · Combined sales tax

8.8%

Fresno · Combined sales tax

8.8%

Fresno is 0.0% (0%) higher than Chicago

Transportation in Chicago vs Fresno

Commute time and travel modes.

Chicago · Average commute

31.9 min

Fresno · Average commute

23.4 min

Chicago is 8.5 min (36%) higher than Fresno

Chicago · Drive alone

56.2%

Fresno · Drive alone

74.7%

Fresno is 18.5% (33%) higher than Chicago

Chicago · Public transit

13.0%

Fresno · Public transit

0.9%

Chicago is 12.1% (1344%) higher than Fresno

Monthly cost estimates in Chicago vs Fresno

All categories combined.

Chicago · Single person

$3,707

Fresno · Single person

$3,226

Chicago is $481 (15%) higher than Fresno

Chicago · Couple

$5,165

Fresno · Couple

$4,891

Chicago is $274 (6%) higher than Fresno

Chicago · Family

$7,811

Fresno · Family

$7,702

Chicago is $109 (1%) higher than Fresno

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Chicago and Fresno.

Is Chicago or Fresno more expensive?

Chicago is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $3,707/mo in Chicago, Illinois and $3,226/mo in Fresno, California, a difference of about 15%.

What is the rent difference between Chicago and Fresno?

Average one-bedroom rent in Chicago, Illinois is $1,560/mo versus $1,217/mo in Fresno, California. Chicago is approximately $343 (28%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Chicago or Fresno?

Chicago has the higher average household income. Chicago households earn approximately $81,797 per year; Fresno households earn approximately $71,434 per year.

More on Chicago and Fresno

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

Chicago profile Fresno profile Compare different areas

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.