Chicago vs Perth
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Perth is ~2% 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
Perth
Australia
COL+Rent
55.7
Rent Index
39.5
Groceries
74
Restaurant
63.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Perth | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,998 | $1,758 | +$240 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,566 | $1,311 | +$255 |
| Groceries | $418 | $412 | +$6 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $22 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $73 | $97 | $24 |
| Utilities | $169 | $146 | +$23 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Chicago | Perth |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,189/mo | $1,930/mo |
| Typical | $2,988/mo | $2,743/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,701/mo | $3,419/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Chicago | ≈ in Perth | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,463/mo | -$37 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,951/mo | -$49 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,926/mo | -$74 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Chicago vs Perth for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Perth is approximately 2% more affordable than Chicago when combining rent and daily living costs. Chicago's COL+Rent Index of 57.1 vs Perth's 55.7 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Chicago costs $1,998/month versus $1,758/month in Perth — giving Perth a $240/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $2,880 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Chicago ($418/mo) vs Perth ($412/mo) reflect Chicago's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $22 show Perth offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Perth offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,743 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.