The Verdict
Living in Chicago is 32% cheaper than New York City.
If you move from Chicago to New York City, 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 $110,294 in New York City.
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 New York City:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Chicago | New York City | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $1,925 | $3,500 | +$1,575 |
| Monthly groceries | $383 | $450 | +$67 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $280 | $350 | +$70 |
| Public transport pass | $117 | $130 | +$13 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $190 | $200 | +$10 |
| Total Monthly | $2,895 | $4,630 | +$1,735 |
* 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 (32% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 72/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($5,500/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 New York City to match a Chicago salary
| Salary in Chicago | Equivalent in New York City | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $73,529 | $23,529 more |
| $75,000 | $110,294 | $35,294 more |
| $100,000 | $147,059 | $47,059 more |
| $125,000 | $183,824 | $58,824 more |
| $150,000 | $220,588 | $70,588 more |
| $200,000 | $294,118 | $94,118 more |
Chicago vs New York City: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 32%. Chicago is the more affordable option.
Rent: Chicago has a rent index of 55, while New York City has 100.
Average Salaries: Chicago: $4,200/month vs New York City: $5,500/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Chicago wins 6, while New York City wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.