The Verdict
Living in Bristol is 8% more expensive than Chicago.
If you move from Bristol to Chicago, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Bristol, you would need to earn about $67,105 in Chicago.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Bristol:
Why people love Chicago:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Bristol | Chicago | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,170 | $1,925 | $-245 |
| Monthly groceries | $437 | $383 | $-54 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $287 | $280 | $-7 |
| Public transport pass | $111 | $117 | +$6 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $180 | $190 | +$10 |
| Total Monthly | $3,184 | $2,895 | $-289 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Prioritize safety (score: 79/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (8% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential ($4,200/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Chicago to match a Bristol salary
| Salary in Bristol | Equivalent in Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $44,737 | $5,263 less |
| $75,000 | $67,105 | $7,895 less |
| $100,000 | $89,474 | $10,526 less |
| $125,000 | $111,842 | $13,158 less |
| $150,000 | $134,211 | $15,789 less |
| $200,000 | $178,947 | $21,053 less |
Bristol vs Chicago: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 8%. Chicago is the more affordable option.
Rent: Bristol has a rent index of 62, while Chicago has 55.
Average Salaries: Bristol: $2,700/month vs Chicago: $4,200/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Bristol wins 2, while Chicago wins 4.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.