Los Angeles vs Chicago: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Los Angeles is 43% more expensive than Chicago. Los Angeles is 10% safer. Los Angeles has more comfortable months (12 vs 5). Los Angeles population: 3,869,089. Chicago population: 2,731,585.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Los Angeles vs Chicago
Chicago is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 115 vs 165 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 50 index points.
| Category | Los Angeles | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 165 | 115 |
| Housing | $4,806/moIndex: 270 | $2,937/moIndex: 165 |
| Groceries | $443/moIndex: 108 | $431/moIndex: 105 |
| Transportation | $420/moIndex: 120 | $385/moIndex: 110 |
| Healthcare | $346/moIndex: 108 | $336/moIndex: 105 |
| Utilities | $209/moIndex: 95 | $209/moIndex: 95 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Los Angeles vs Chicago
Los Angeles is 10% safer overall, with a crime rate of 32 per 1,000 residents vs Chicago's 35.5. Los Angeles earns a C- safety grade compared to Chicago's D+. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Los Angeles
California
Chicago
Illinois
| Metric | Los Angeles | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 32/1K | 35.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 700.0 | 750.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2500.0 | 2800.0 |
| Murder Rate | 10.2 | 14.1 |
| Assault Rate | 490.2 | 608.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.9 | 120.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 327.5 | 376.8 |
| Theft Rate | 1736.2 | 1938.2 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 273.1 | 674.0 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Los Angeles, you have a 1 in 31 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 28 in Chicago.
Climate: Los Angeles vs Chicago
Los Angeles Climate Overview
Chicago Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 75°F | 59.3°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 56.7°F | 42.8°F |
| Annual Rain | 14.7" | 36.9" |
| Annual Snow | None | 36.1" |
| Comfortable Months | 12 | 5 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 4 |
Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but Chicago is 30°F colder in winter than Los Angeles. Chicago gets 36 inches of snow annually, while Los Angeles rarely sees any. Chicago is wetter with 37" of annual rain compared to 15". Los Angeles has more comfortable weather months (12 vs 5).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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