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Orlando vs Chicago

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Chicago is 5% more expensive than Orlando overall.Orlando has a cost of living index of 102 vs Chicago at 107 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Chicago costs 7% less.

Pierre
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Orlando
FL
102
COLI index
VS
Chicago
IL
107
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryOrlandoChicagoDifference
Overall COLI102107+5%
Housing122130+7%
Groceries104105+1%
Transport109108-1%
Healthcare103103Same
Utilities109112+3%

Median 1BR Rent

Orlando
$1,700/mo
Chicago
$1,750/mo

Median Home Price

Orlando
$345,000
Chicago
$310,000

Median Household Income

Orlando
$53,052
Chicago
$62,097

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Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando is cheaper to live in overall. Orlando has a cost of living index of 102 while Chicago has an index of 107, where 100 represents the US national average. Chicago is 5% more expensive than Orlando overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Orlando is $1,700 per month compared to $1,750 in Chicago. The median home price in Orlando is $345,000 versus $310,000 in Chicago. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Orlando has a cost of living index of 102 and Chicago has an index of 107, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Orlando, multiply by 1.05. For example a $75,000 salary in Orlando is equivalent to approximately $78,676 in Chicago.

Orlando has a median household income of $53,052 per year versus $62,097 in Chicago. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Orlando to Chicago is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Chicago is 5% more expensive overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.