City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chicago vs London — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chicago
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Chicago.
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chicago | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $899 | $906 | $7 |
| Groceries | $211 | $171 | +$40 |
| Dining Out | $133 | $136 | $3 |
| Transportation | $37 | $46 | $9 |
| Utilities | $85 | $105 | $20 |
| Other / Misc | $135 | $136 | $1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chicago
$1,500
per month
London equivalent
$1,915
per month
You'd need $1,915/mo in London to match $1,500/mo in Chicago.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chicago on $1,500/month?
Living in Chicago on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$899 to rent, $211 to groceries, $133 to dining.
Can I live in London on $1,500/month?
In London, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $906 rent, $171 groceries, $136 dining.
Is Chicago or London cheaper?
Chicago is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chicago 57.1 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chicago worth in London?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chicago equals ~$1,915/mo in London using COL adjustment.