City Comparison
Chicago vs Los Angeles
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Chicago is ~18% 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
Los Angeles
United States
COL+Rent
69.5
Rent Index
57.8
Groceries
84.4
Restaurant
88.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Los Angeles | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,998 | $2,627 | $629 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,566 | $2,059 | $493 |
| Groceries | $418 | $484 | $66 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $26 | $4 |
| Transit Pass | $73 | $85 | $12 |
| Utilities | $169 | $196 | $27 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Chicago | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,189/mo | $2,783/mo |
| Typical | $2,988/mo | $3,782/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,701/mo | $4,663/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Chicago | ≈ in Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,826/mo | +$326 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,434/mo | +$434 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,651/mo | +$651 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Chicago is approximately 18% cheaper overall. Chicago's COL+Rent Index is 57.1 vs Los Angeles's 69.5 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Chicago vs Los Angeles?
A 1BR in Chicago city center costs ~$1,998/mo vs $2,627/mo in Los Angeles. Outside the center: $1,566 vs $2,059.
What is $2,000/month in Chicago worth in Los Angeles?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Chicago has the purchasing power of approximately $2,434/month in Los Angeles.
Are groceries cheaper in Chicago or Los Angeles?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $418 in Chicago vs $484 in Los Angeles. Groceries Index: 72.9 vs 84.4 (NYC = 100).