City Comparison
Chicago vs San Francisco
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Chicago is ~24% 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
San Francisco
United States
COL+Rent
75.6
Rent Index
63.1
Groceries
91.5
Restaurant
96.6
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Chicago | San Francisco | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,998 | $2,868 | $870 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,566 | $2,248 | $682 |
| Groceries | $418 | $525 | $107 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $28 | $6 |
| Transit Pass | $73 | $92 | $19 |
| Utilities | $169 | $212 | $43 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Chicago | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,189/mo | $3,032/mo |
| Typical | $2,988/mo | $4,117/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,701/mo | $5,072/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Chicago | ≈ in San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,986/mo | +$486 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,648/mo | +$648 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,972/mo | +$972 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Chicago is approximately 24% cheaper overall. Chicago's COL+Rent Index is 57.1 vs San Francisco's 75.6 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Chicago vs San Francisco?
A 1BR in Chicago city center costs ~$1,998/mo vs $2,868/mo in San Francisco. Outside the center: $1,566 vs $2,248.
What is $2,000/month in Chicago worth in San Francisco?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Chicago has the purchasing power of approximately $2,648/month in San Francisco.
Are groceries cheaper in Chicago or San Francisco?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $418 in Chicago vs $525 in San Francisco. Groceries Index: 72.9 vs 91.5 (NYC = 100).