City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
London vs Chicago — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
London
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo barely covers basics in London.
Chicago
Moderate
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Chicago.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | London | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,812 | $1,798 | +$14 |
| Groceries | $343 | $422 | $79 |
| Dining Out | $273 | $266 | +$7 |
| Transportation | $92 | $74 | +$18 |
| Utilities | $209 | $171 | +$38 |
| Other / Misc | $271 | $269 | +$2 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
London
$3,000
per month
Chicago equivalent
$2,350
per month
Only $2,350/mo in Chicago matches $3,000/mo in London — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in London on $3,000/month?
Living in London on $3,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$1,812 to rent, $343 to groceries, $273 to dining.
Can I live in Chicago on $3,000/month?
In Chicago, $3,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $1,798 rent, $422 groceries, $266 dining.
Is London or Chicago cheaper?
Chicago is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: London 72.9 vs Chicago 57.1 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in London worth in Chicago?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in London equals ~$2,350/mo in Chicago using COL adjustment.