🇨🇦 Calgary vs 🇺🇸 Chicago

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇨🇦

Calgary

Canada

$2,215–$3,508/mo

C$3,076 – C$4,872 / month (local)

🇺🇸

Chicago

United States

$2,400–$3,800/mo

$2,400 – $3,800 / month (local)

Chicago is 8% more expensive

Calgary wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryCalgary (USD)Chicago (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,662–$2,585$1,800–$2,800🟢 Calgary
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$877–$1,385$950–$1,500🟢 Calgary
Utilities$69–$134$75–$145🟢 Calgary
Groceries$351–$526$380–$570🟢 Calgary
Eating out (mid-range meal)$46–$83$50–$90🟢 Calgary
Public transport (monthly)$88–$106$95–$115🟢 Calgary
Internet & Mobile$28–$46$30–$50🟢 Calgary
Gym membership$32–$60$35–$65🟢 Calgary
Cinema ticket$13–$17$14–$18🟢 Calgary
Monthly total (single)$2,215–$3,508$2,400–$3,800🟢 Calgary

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

Housing4.8 / 10 · 5.3 / 10
Calgary
Chicago▲ better
Safety8.4 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Calgary
Chicago▲ better
Healthcare8.4 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Calgary
Chicago▲ better
Education8.0 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Calgary
Chicago▲ better
Environment8.8 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Calgary▲ better
Chicago
Economy7.1 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Calgary
Chicago▲ better
Culture7.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Calgary
Chicago▲ better
Internet8.1 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Calgary
Chicago▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Calgary if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Chicago
  • ✓Oil & gas salaries
  • ✓Rockies proximity
  • ✓Clean
  • ✓Energy

Choose Chicago if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Chicago offers vs Calgary
  • ✓Architecture
  • ✓Food
  • ✓Transit
  • ✓Finance

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Full Calgary guide

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Full Chicago guide

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Explore Chicago →