🇺🇸 Boston vs 🇺🇸 Chicago
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Boston
United States
$2,923–$4,628/mo
$2,923 – $4,628 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Chicago
United States
$2,400–$3,800/mo
$2,400 – $3,800 / month (local)
Boston is 22% more expensive
Chicago wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Boston (USD) | Chicago (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,192–$3,410 | $1,800–$2,800 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,157–$1,827 | $950–$1,500 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Utilities | $91–$177 | $75–$145 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Groceries | $463–$694 | $380–$570 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $61–$110 | $50–$90 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Public transport (monthly) | $116–$140 | $95–$115 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Internet & Mobile | $37–$61 | $30–$50 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Gym membership | $43–$79 | $35–$65 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$22 | $14–$18 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,923–$4,628 | $2,400–$3,800 | 🟢 Chicago |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing3.9 / 10 · 5.3 / 10
Boston
Chicago▲ better
Safety9.0 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Boston
Chicago▲ better
Healthcare9.0 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Boston
Chicago▲ better
Education8.6 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Boston
Chicago▲ better
Environment9.4 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Boston▲ better
Chicago
Economy7.7 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Boston
Chicago▲ better
Culture8.3 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Boston
Chicago▲ better
Internet8.7 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Boston
Chicago▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Boston offers vs Chicago
- ✓Universities
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓History
- ✓Students
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Boston
- ✓Architecture
- ✓Food
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
You might also like…
📊
Full Boston guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Boston →📊
Full Chicago guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Chicago →