City Comparison
Los Angeles vs Chicago
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Chicago is ~18% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Los Angeles
United States
COL+Rent
69.5
Rent Index
57.8
Groceries
84.4
Restaurant
88.9
Chicago
United States
COL+Rent
57.1
Rent Index
44
Groceries
72.9
Restaurant
73.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Los Angeles | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,627 | $1,998 | +$629 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,059 | $1,566 | +$493 |
| Groceries | $484 | $418 | +$66 |
| Restaurant Meal | $26 | $22 | +$4 |
| Transit Pass | $85 | $73 | +$12 |
| Utilities | $196 | $169 | +$27 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Los Angeles | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,783/mo | $2,189/mo |
| Typical | $3,782/mo | $2,988/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,663/mo | $3,701/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Los Angeles | ≈ in Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,232/mo | -$268 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,643/mo | -$357 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,465/mo | -$535 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Chicago is approximately 18% cheaper overall. Los Angeles's COL+Rent Index is 69.5 vs Chicago's 57.1 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Chicago?
A 1BR in Los Angeles city center costs ~$2,627/mo vs $1,998/mo in Chicago. Outside the center: $2,059 vs $1,566.
What is $2,000/month in Los Angeles worth in Chicago?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Los Angeles has the purchasing power of approximately $1,643/month in Chicago.
Are groceries cheaper in Los Angeles or Chicago?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $484 in Los Angeles vs $418 in Chicago. Groceries Index: 84.4 vs 72.9 (NYC = 100).