City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/month?
Chicago vs London — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chicago
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chicago.
London
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chicago | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $2,997 | $3,019 | $22 |
| Groceries | $703 | $571 | +$132 |
| Dining Out | $444 | $455 | $11 |
| Transportation | $123 | $153 | $30 |
| Utilities | $284 | $349 | $65 |
| Other / Misc | $449 | $453 | $4 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chicago
$5,000
per month
London equivalent
$6,384
per month
You'd need $6,384/mo in London to match $5,000/mo in Chicago.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chicago on $5,000/month?
Living in Chicago on $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$2,997 to rent, $703 to groceries, $444 to dining.
Can I live in London on $5,000/month?
In London, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $3,019 rent, $571 groceries, $455 dining.
Is Chicago or London cheaper?
Chicago is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chicago 57.1 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in Chicago worth in London?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Chicago equals ~$6,384/mo in London using COL adjustment.