Chicago vs Bali
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Bali is ~72% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Chicago
United States
COL+Rent
57.1
Rent Index
44
Groceries
72.9
Restaurant
73.7
Bali
Indonesia
COL+Rent
16
Rent Index
8
Groceries
30.9
Restaurant
13.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Bali | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,998 | $299 | +$1,699 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,566 | $202 | +$1,364 |
| Groceries | $418 | $170 | +$248 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $3 | +$19 |
| Transit Pass | $73 | $10 | +$63 |
| Utilities | $169 | $39 | +$130 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Chicago | Bali |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,189/mo | $382/mo |
| Typical | $2,988/mo | $563/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,701/mo | $687/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Chicago | ≈ in Bali | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $420/mo | -$1,080 |
| $2,000/mo | $560/mo | -$1,440 |
| $3,000/mo | $841/mo | -$2,159 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Chicago vs Bali for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Bali is approximately 72% more affordable than Chicago when combining rent and daily living costs. Chicago's COL+Rent Index of 57.1 vs Bali's 16 (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 Chicago costs $1,998/month versus $299/month in Bali — 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 Chicago ($418/mo) vs Bali ($170/mo) reflect Bali's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $3 show Bali offers cheaper dining. 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.