Bali vs Chicago
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Bali is ~72% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Bali
Indonesia
COL+Rent
16
Rent Index
8
Groceries
30.9
Restaurant
13.9
Chicago
United States
COL+Rent
57.1
Rent Index
44
Groceries
72.9
Restaurant
73.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Bali | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $299 | $1,998 | $1,699 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $202 | $1,566 | $1,364 |
| Groceries | $170 | $418 | $248 |
| Restaurant Meal | $3 | $22 | $19 |
| Transit Pass | $10 | $73 | $63 |
| Utilities | $39 | $169 | $130 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Bali | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $382/mo | $2,189/mo |
| Typical | $563/mo | $2,988/mo |
| Comfortable | $687/mo | $3,701/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Bali | ≈ in Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $5,353/mo | +$3,853 |
| $2,000/mo | $7,138/mo | +$5,138 |
| $3,000/mo | $10,706/mo | +$7,706 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Bali vs Chicago for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Bali is approximately 72% more affordable than Chicago when combining rent and daily living costs. Bali's COL+Rent Index of 16 vs Chicago's 57.1 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Bali costs $299/month versus $1,998/month in Chicago — giving Bali a $1,699/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $20,388 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Bali ($170/mo) vs Chicago ($418/mo) reflect Bali's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $3 vs $22 show Bali is the better value for dining out. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Bali offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $563 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.