Chicago vs The Hague
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
The Hague is ~11% 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
The Hague
Netherlands
COL+Rent
50.9
Rent Index
34.8
Groceries
55.8
Restaurant
57.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Chicago | The Hague | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,998 | $1,546 | +$452 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,566 | $1,214 | +$352 |
| Groceries | $418 | $319 | +$99 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $19 | +$3 |
| Transit Pass | $73 | $93 | $20 |
| Utilities | $169 | $179 | $10 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Chicago | The Hague |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,189/mo | $1,785/mo |
| Typical | $2,988/mo | $2,422/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,701/mo | $3,003/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Chicago | ≈ in The Hague | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,337/mo | -$163 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,783/mo | -$217 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,674/mo | -$326 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Chicago vs The Hague for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows The Hague is approximately 11% more affordable than Chicago when combining rent and daily living costs. Chicago's COL+Rent Index of 57.1 vs The Hague's 50.9 (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 $1,546/month in The Hague — giving The Hague a $452/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $5,424 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Chicago ($418/mo) vs The Hague ($319/mo) reflect The Hague's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $19 show The Hague 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, The Hague offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,422 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.