Graz vs Chicago
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Graz is ~31% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Graz
Austria
COL+Rent
39.4
Rent Index
18.1
Groceries
61.7
Restaurant
58
Chicago
United States
COL+Rent
57.1
Rent Index
44
Groceries
72.9
Restaurant
73.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Graz | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $821 | $1,998 | $1,177 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $630 | $1,566 | $936 |
| Groceries | $370 | $418 | $48 |
| Restaurant Meal | $15 | $22 | $7 |
| Transit Pass | $47 | $73 | $26 |
| Utilities | $170 | $169 | +$1 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Graz | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,166/mo | $2,189/mo |
| Typical | $1,633/mo | $2,988/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,055/mo | $3,701/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Graz | ≈ in Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,174/mo | +$674 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,898/mo | +$898 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,348/mo | +$1,348 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Graz vs Chicago for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Graz is approximately 31% more affordable than Chicago when combining rent and daily living costs. Graz's COL+Rent Index of 39.4 vs Chicago's 57.1 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Graz costs $821/month versus $1,998/month in Chicago — giving Graz a $1,177/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $14,124 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Graz ($370/mo) vs Chicago ($418/mo) reflect Graz's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $15 vs $22 show Graz is the better value for dining out. 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, Graz offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,633 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.