Chicago vs Graz
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Graz is ~31% 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
Graz
Austria
COL+Rent
39.4
Rent Index
18.1
Groceries
61.7
Restaurant
58
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Graz | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,998 | $821 | +$1,177 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,566 | $630 | +$936 |
| Groceries | $418 | $370 | +$48 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $15 | +$7 |
| Transit Pass | $73 | $47 | +$26 |
| Utilities | $169 | $170 | $1 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Chicago | Graz |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,189/mo | $1,166/mo |
| Typical | $2,988/mo | $1,633/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,701/mo | $2,055/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Chicago | ≈ in Graz | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,035/mo | -$465 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,380/mo | -$620 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,070/mo | -$930 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Chicago vs Graz for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Graz is approximately 31% more affordable than Chicago when combining rent and daily living costs. Chicago's COL+Rent Index of 57.1 vs Graz's 39.4 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Chicago costs $1,998/month versus $821/month in Graz — giving Graz a $1,177/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $14,124 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Chicago ($418/mo) vs Graz ($370/mo) reflect Graz's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $15 show Graz 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, Graz offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,633 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.