Chicago, IL vs Los Angeles, CA: Housing Market Comparison (2026)
Side-by-side Alpha Scores, affordability, momentum, supply, jobs, and rental yield · scores computed September 2026
Chicago, IL vs Los Angeles, CA side by side
| Metric | ● Chicago, IL | ● Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Score | 46 | 24 |
| Price Momentum | 83 | 51 |
| Inventory Health | — | — |
| Affordability | 34 | 1 |
| Economic Strength | 21 | 36 |
| Rental Yield | 44 | 2 |
| Median Sale Price | $399K | $922K |
| Price-to-Income | 4.4 | 10.2 |
| Payment-to-Income | 26.8% | 62.0% |
| Months of Supply | 3 | 4 |
| Gross Rental Yield | 4.4% | 2.5% |
| Overvaluation Index | 50 | 70 |
Highlighted = the stronger read for that metric (supply, valuation, and payment burden are better when lower). Income/rent inputs lag annually.
How Chicago, IL and Los Angeles, CA compare, dimension by dimension
- Affordability: Chicago, IL leads — Chicago, IL 34/100 vs Los Angeles, CA 1/100.
- Price Momentum: Chicago, IL leads — Chicago, IL 83/100 vs Los Angeles, CA 51/100.
- Economic Strength: Los Angeles, CA leads — Chicago, IL 21/100 vs Los Angeles, CA 36/100.
- Rental Yield: Chicago, IL leads — Chicago, IL 44/100 vs Los Angeles, CA 2/100.
Frequently asked questions
Which has a higher Alpha Score, Chicago, IL or Los Angeles, CA?
Chicago, IL scores higher — 46 vs 24 out of 100. The Alpha Score is a 0-100 composite of price momentum, inventory health, affordability, economic strength, and rental yield.
Is Chicago, IL or Los Angeles, CA more affordable?
Chicago, IL is more affordable on our affordability dimension. Price-to-income is 4.4 in Chicago, IL and 10.2 in Los Angeles, CA.
Which housing market has stronger momentum, Chicago, IL or Los Angeles, CA?
Chicago, IL has stronger price momentum — 83/100 vs 51/100.
What is the median home price in Chicago, IL vs Los Angeles, CA?
The median sale price is $399K in Chicago, IL and $922K in Los Angeles, CA.
Want to swap in other cities, change the metrics, or chart the trend over time? Customize this comparison → in the interactive Compare tool. Or read the Chicago, IL market brief and the Los Angeles, CA brief.