🇺🇸 Chicago vs 🇺🇸 Los Angeles
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Chicago
United States
$2,400–$3,800/mo
$2,400 – $3,800 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Los Angeles
United States
$2,831–$4,482/mo
$2,831 – $4,482 / month (local)
Los Angeles is 18% more expensive
Chicago wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Chicago (USD) | Los Angeles (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,800–$2,800 | $2,123–$3,303 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $950–$1,500 | $1,121–$1,769 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Utilities | $75–$145 | $88–$171 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Groceries | $380–$570 | $448–$672 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $50–$90 | $59–$106 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Public transport (monthly) | $95–$115 | $112–$136 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Internet & Mobile | $30–$50 | $35–$59 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Gym membership | $35–$65 | $41–$77 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Cinema ticket | $14–$18 | $17–$21 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,400–$3,800 | $2,831–$4,482 | 🟢 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
Housing5.3 / 10 · 3.1 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Los Angeles
Safety9.3 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Chicago
Los Angeles▲ better
Healthcare9.3 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Los Angeles
Education8.9 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Los Angeles
Environment8.0 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Chicago
Los Angeles▲ better
Economy8.0 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Los Angeles
Culture8.6 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Los Angeles
Internet9.0 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Los Angeles
Who should choose which city?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Los Angeles
- ✓Architecture
- ✓Food
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Los Angeles offers vs Chicago
- ✓Weather
- ✓Creative industries
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Entertainment
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📊
Full Chicago guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Chicago →📊
Full Los Angeles guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Los Angeles →