A data-driven snapshot comparing property taxes, sales taxes, state income taxes, and school quality across both locations. Free preview — 4 key metrics.
| Metric | 📍 Chicago, IL | 🎯 Hammond, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Property Tax Rate | 1.80% | 1.10% |
| Sales Tax Rate | 10.25% | 7.00% |
| State Income Tax Rate | 4.95% | 4.45% |
Unlike most states, Illinois taxes groceries — at a reduced 1% rate, not the full 10.25% rate. For Chicago residents, this carve-out softens the impact on household food budgets, but other everyday purchases still hit the full rate.
At a 1.8% effective property tax rate, a $350,000 home in Chicago costs roughly $6,300/year in property taxes alone — compared to $3,850/year at Hammond's 1.1% rate.
On $40,000 of annual household spending, the 10.25% sales tax in Chicago adds up to roughly $4,100/year in sales tax — versus $2,800/year in Hammond at 7.0%.
Want the Full Picture?
These 4 metrics are just the surface. The Wealth Engine calculates your complete annual cost advantage across housing, commute, healthcare, education, and more — personalized to your income and lifestyle.
Run Full Cost-of-Living Analysis →Free to use · No account required · Tri-State region (IL/IN/WI)