City Comparison
Chicago vs Miami
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Chicago is ~6% 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
Miami
United States
COL+Rent
60.5
Rent Index
48
Groceries
75.8
Restaurant
77.8
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Miami | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,998 | $2,183 | $185 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,566 | $1,711 | $145 |
| Groceries | $418 | $435 | $17 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $23 | $1 |
| Transit Pass | $73 | $76 | $3 |
| Utilities | $169 | $176 | $7 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Chicago | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,189/mo | $2,360/mo |
| Typical | $2,988/mo | $3,215/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,701/mo | $3,974/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Chicago | ≈ in Miami | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,589/mo | +$89 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,119/mo | +$119 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,179/mo | +$179 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Miami cheaper to live in?
Chicago is approximately 6% cheaper overall. Chicago's COL+Rent Index is 57.1 vs Miami's 60.5 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Chicago vs Miami?
A 1BR in Chicago city center costs ~$1,998/mo vs $2,183/mo in Miami. Outside the center: $1,566 vs $1,711.
What is $2,000/month in Chicago worth in Miami?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Chicago has the purchasing power of approximately $2,119/month in Miami.
Are groceries cheaper in Chicago or Miami?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $418 in Chicago vs $435 in Miami. Groceries Index: 72.9 vs 75.8 (NYC = 100).