Cost of Living Comparison
HomeCitiesAffordableBest CitiesGet Help
Compare Cities
HomeCitiesAffordableBest CitiesGet HelpCompare Cities
Get Assistance
Estates Logo

The most comprehensive cost of living comparison tool for US cities. Make informed relocation decisions with real data from trusted sources.

Explore

  • Browse Cities
  • Affordable Cities
  • Best Cities
  • Compare Cities

Data

  • San Francisco
  • New York
  • Austin
  • Denver

Top Routes

  • NYC → Austin
  • LA → Phoenix
  • SF → Denver
  • Chicago → Dallas

© 2026 Estates. All rights reserved.

Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceMethodologySitemap

Data sourced from US Census, BLS, DOT, EPA, Zillow (aggregated)

Last updated: Feb 2026

  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Compare

Walnut CreekvsChicago

Last updated: Feb 2026
Data Methodology

Moving from Walnut Creek to Chicago will save you approximately $147,041 on median home prices (21.9% less). Monthly rent is $613 cheaper in Chicago. Note that median income is 11.7% lower in Chicago.

Housing
21.9% cheaper
Rent
21.9% cheaper
View Walnut CreekView Chicago
Chicago

Side-by-Side Comparison

Origin

Walnut Creek, CA

Median Home Price$672,315
Monthly Rent$2,801
Median Income$82,922
Population68,906
Loading...
Destination

Chicago, IL

Median Home Price
$525,274-21.9%
Monthly Rent
$2,189-21.9%
Median Income
$73,194-11.7%
Population2,720,556
Loading...

Cities Location Map

Housing

Rent History & Trends

Understanding how rental prices have changed over time helps predict future affordability and make informed decisions about your move.

Walnut Creek

2015$2,207
2020$2,464
2025$2,801

Chicago

2015$1,513
2020$1,592
2025$2,189

Annual Cost of Living

A comprehensive breakdown of annual living expenses helps you budget effectively for your new life in Chicago.

Walnut Creek

Housing$14,527
Food$6,850
Transport$14,083
Healthcare$11,373
Total$58,316

Chicago

Housing$7,516
Food$5,442
Transport$13,003
Healthcare$12,465
Total$50,964
Costs

Key Insights

21.9%
Housing Cost
cheaper in Chicago
$613
Monthly Rent Difference
savings per month
11.7%
Income Level
lower median income

Demographics

Walnut Creek

Population68,906
Median Age47.6 yrs
Violent Crime Rate481 per 100k
Property Crime Rate2165 per 100k

Chicago

Population2,720,556
Median Age34.2 yrs
Violent Crime Rate345 per 100k
Property Crime Rate1393 per 100k

Safety & Crime Statistics

Walnut Creek

481
Violent Crime Rate (per 100k)
2165
Property Crime Rate (per 100k)

Chicago

345
Violent Crime Rate (per 100k)
1393
Property Crime Rate (per 100k)

Ready to explore more?

Compare other cities or explore detailed information about each location.

Explore Walnut CreekExplore Chicago

Need Help Settling In?

Moving to a new city can be overwhelming. Our relocation experts are here to help you find the perfect neighborhood, schools, and local services.

No commitment • Response within 24 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or Walnut Creek?

Chicago is 21.9% cheaper for housing than Walnut Creek. The median home price in Chicago is $525,274 compared to $672,315 in Walnut Creek, a savings of $147,041.

What is the rent difference between Walnut Creek and Chicago?

Monthly rent in Chicago averages $2,189, while Walnut Creek averages $2,801. That's a savings of $613 per month, or $7,352 annually.

How do incomes compare between Walnut Creek and Chicago?

The median household income in Chicago is $73,194, which is 11.7% lower than Walnut Creek's median of $82,922.

Which city is safer: Walnut Creek or Chicago?

Walnut Creek has a violent crime rate of 481 per 100k residents, while Chicago has 345 per 100k. Chicago is statistically safer.

What is Estates?

Estates is a comprehensive cost of living comparison platform covering over 3,900 US cities. We help you compare housing prices, rent, income levels, crime rates, demographics, and climate data to make informed relocation decisions. Our data comes from trusted sources including Zillow, the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI, and NOAA.

Popular Comparisons

New York → PhiladelphiaLos Angeles → AustinSan Francisco → AustinChicago → PhoenixNew York → Los AngelesBoston → DenverSeattle → AustinSan Francisco → DenverLos Angeles → PhoenixNew York → AtlantaChicago → DallasWashington DC → CharlotteLos Angeles → SeattleSan Francisco → PortlandNew York → PhiladelphiaBoston → AustinChicago → NashvilleSan Diego → PhoenixDenver → AustinSeattle → Denver