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:
Analysis: Los Angeles vs Chicago for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Chicago is approximately 18% more affordable than Los Angeles when combining rent and daily living costs. Los Angeles's COL+Rent Index of 69.5 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 Los Angeles costs $2,627/month versus $1,998/month in Chicago — giving Chicago a $629/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $7,548 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Los Angeles ($484/mo) vs Chicago ($418/mo) reflect Chicago's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $26 vs $22 show Chicago 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, Chicago offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,988 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.