City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Chicago vs London — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chicago
Moderate
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Chicago.
London
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo barely covers basics in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chicago | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,798 | $1,812 | $14 |
| Groceries | $422 | $343 | +$79 |
| Dining Out | $266 | $273 | $7 |
| Transportation | $74 | $92 | $18 |
| Utilities | $171 | $209 | $38 |
| Other / Misc | $269 | $271 | $2 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chicago
$3,000
per month
London equivalent
$3,830
per month
You'd need $3,830/mo in London to match $3,000/mo in Chicago.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chicago on $3,000/month?
Living in Chicago on $3,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$1,798 to rent, $422 to groceries, $266 to dining.
Can I live in London on $3,000/month?
In London, $3,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $1,812 rent, $343 groceries, $273 dining.
Is Chicago or London cheaper?
Chicago is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chicago 57.1 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Chicago worth in London?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Chicago equals ~$3,830/mo in London using COL adjustment.