The Hague vs Chicago
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
The Hague is ~11% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
The Hague
Netherlands
COL+Rent
50.9
Rent Index
34.8
Groceries
55.8
Restaurant
57.7
Chicago
United States
COL+Rent
57.1
Rent Index
44
Groceries
72.9
Restaurant
73.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | The Hague | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,546 | $1,998 | $452 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,214 | $1,566 | $352 |
| Groceries | $319 | $418 | $99 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $22 | $3 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $73 | +$20 |
| Utilities | $179 | $169 | +$10 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | The Hague | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,785/mo | $2,189/mo |
| Typical | $2,422/mo | $2,988/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,003/mo | $3,701/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in The Hague | ≈ in Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,683/mo | +$183 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,244/mo | +$244 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,365/mo | +$365 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: The Hague vs Chicago for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows The Hague is approximately 11% more affordable than Chicago when combining rent and daily living costs. The Hague's COL+Rent Index of 50.9 vs Chicago's 57.1 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in The Hague costs $1,546/month versus $1,998/month in Chicago — giving The Hague a $452/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $5,424 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in The Hague ($319/mo) vs Chicago ($418/mo) reflect The Hague's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $19 vs $22 show The Hague is the better value for dining out. 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, The Hague offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,422 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.