City Comparison
San Francisco vs Chicago
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Chicago is ~24% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
San Francisco
United States
COL+Rent
75.6
Rent Index
63.1
Groceries
91.5
Restaurant
96.6
Chicago
United States
COL+Rent
57.1
Rent Index
44
Groceries
72.9
Restaurant
73.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | San Francisco | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,868 | $1,998 | +$870 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,248 | $1,566 | +$682 |
| Groceries | $525 | $418 | +$107 |
| Restaurant Meal | $28 | $22 | +$6 |
| Transit Pass | $92 | $73 | +$19 |
| Utilities | $212 | $169 | +$43 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | San Francisco | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $3,032/mo | $2,189/mo |
| Typical | $4,117/mo | $2,988/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,072/mo | $3,701/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in San Francisco | ≈ in Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,133/mo | -$367 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,511/mo | -$489 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,266/mo | -$734 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Francisco or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Chicago is approximately 24% cheaper overall. San Francisco's COL+Rent Index is 75.6 vs Chicago's 57.1 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in San Francisco vs Chicago?
A 1BR in San Francisco city center costs ~$2,868/mo vs $1,998/mo in Chicago. Outside the center: $2,248 vs $1,566.
What is $2,000/month in San Francisco worth in Chicago?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in San Francisco has the purchasing power of approximately $1,511/month in Chicago.
Are groceries cheaper in San Francisco or Chicago?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $525 in San Francisco vs $418 in Chicago. Groceries Index: 91.5 vs 72.9 (NYC = 100).