The Verdict
Living in Chicago is 17% cheaper than Los Angeles.
If you move from Chicago to Los Angeles, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Chicago, you would need to earn about $93,750 in Los Angeles.
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 Chicago:
Why people love Los Angeles:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Chicago | Los Angeles | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $1,925 | $2,975 | +$1,050 |
| Monthly groceries | $383 | $428 | +$45 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $280 | $315 | +$35 |
| Public transport pass | $117 | $137 | +$20 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $190 | $180 | $-10 |
| Total Monthly | $2,895 | $4,034 | +$1,139 |
* 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
- Want lower overall living costs (17% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 65/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($4,800/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 Los Angeles to match a Chicago salary
| Salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $62,500 | $12,500 more |
| $75,000 | $93,750 | $18,750 more |
| $100,000 | $125,000 | $25,000 more |
| $125,000 | $156,250 | $31,250 more |
| $150,000 | $187,500 | $37,500 more |
| $200,000 | $250,000 | $50,000 more |
Chicago vs Los Angeles: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 17%. Chicago is the more affordable option.
Rent: Chicago has a rent index of 55, while Los Angeles has 85.
Average Salaries: Chicago: $4,200/month vs Los Angeles: $4,800/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Chicago wins 5, while Los Angeles wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.