Chicago vs Calgary
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Calgary is ~16% 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
Calgary
Canada
COL+Rent
47.7
Rent Index
33.6
Groceries
62.9
Restaurant
57.8
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Calgary | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,998 | $1,481 | +$517 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,566 | $1,178 | +$388 |
| Groceries | $418 | $353 | +$65 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $19 | +$3 |
| Transit Pass | $73 | $79 | $6 |
| Utilities | $169 | $137 | +$32 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Chicago | Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,189/mo | $1,717/mo |
| Typical | $2,988/mo | $2,335/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,701/mo | $2,913/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Chicago | ≈ in Calgary | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,253/mo | -$247 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,671/mo | -$329 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,506/mo | -$494 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Chicago vs Calgary for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Calgary is approximately 16% more affordable than Chicago when combining rent and daily living costs. Chicago's COL+Rent Index of 57.1 vs Calgary's 47.7 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Chicago costs $1,998/month versus $1,481/month in Calgary — giving Calgary a $517/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $6,204 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Chicago ($418/mo) vs Calgary ($353/mo) reflect Calgary's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $19 show Calgary 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, Calgary offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,335 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.