City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/month?
London vs Chicago — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
London
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in London.
Chicago
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chicago.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | London | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $3,019 | $2,997 | +$22 |
| Groceries | $571 | $703 | $132 |
| Dining Out | $455 | $444 | +$11 |
| Transportation | $153 | $123 | +$30 |
| Utilities | $349 | $284 | +$65 |
| Other / Misc | $453 | $449 | +$4 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
London
$5,000
per month
Chicago equivalent
$3,916
per month
Only $3,916/mo in Chicago matches $5,000/mo in London — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in London on $5,000/month?
Living in London on $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$3,019 to rent, $571 to groceries, $455 to dining.
Can I live in Chicago on $5,000/month?
In Chicago, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $2,997 rent, $703 groceries, $444 dining.
Is London or Chicago cheaper?
Chicago is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: London 72.9 vs Chicago 57.1 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in London worth in Chicago?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in London equals ~$3,916/mo in Chicago using COL adjustment.