City Comparison
New York vs Chicago
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Chicago is ~31% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
New York
United States
COL+Rent
82.5
Rent Index
70
Groceries
98.7
Restaurant
105.2
Chicago
United States
COL+Rent
57.1
Rent Index
44
Groceries
72.9
Restaurant
73.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | New York | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $3,182 | $1,998 | +$1,184 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,494 | $1,566 | +$928 |
| Groceries | $566 | $418 | +$148 |
| Restaurant Meal | $30 | $22 | +$8 |
| Transit Pass | $99 | $73 | +$26 |
| Utilities | $229 | $169 | +$60 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | New York | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $3,338/mo | $2,189/mo |
| Typical | $4,526/mo | $2,988/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,567/mo | $3,701/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in New York | ≈ in Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,038/mo | -$462 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,384/mo | -$616 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,076/mo | -$924 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Chicago is approximately 31% cheaper overall. New York's COL+Rent Index is 82.5 vs Chicago's 57.1 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in New York vs Chicago?
A 1BR in New York city center costs ~$3,182/mo vs $1,998/mo in Chicago. Outside the center: $2,494 vs $1,566.
What is $2,000/month in New York worth in Chicago?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in New York has the purchasing power of approximately $1,384/month in Chicago.
Are groceries cheaper in New York or Chicago?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $566 in New York vs $418 in Chicago. Groceries Index: 98.7 vs 72.9 (NYC = 100).