🇺🇸 Chicago vs 🇺🇸 New York

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

Chicago

United States

$2,400–$3,800/mo

$2,400 – $3,800 / month (local)

🇺🇸

New York

United States

$3,077–$4,872/mo

$3,077 – $4,872 / month (local)

New York is 28% more expensive

Chicago wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryChicago (USD)New York (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,800–$2,800$2,308–$3,590🟢 Chicago
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$950–$1,500$1,218–$1,923🟢 Chicago
Utilities$75–$145$96–$186🟢 Chicago
Groceries$380–$570$487–$731🟢 Chicago
Eating out (mid-range meal)$50–$90$64–$115🟢 Chicago
Public transport (monthly)$95–$115$122–$147🟢 Chicago
Internet & Mobile$30–$50$38–$64🟢 Chicago
Gym membership$35–$65$45–$83🟢 Chicago
Cinema ticket$14–$18$18–$23🟢 Chicago
Monthly total (single)$2,400–$3,800$3,077–$4,872🟢 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 · 2.7 / 10
Chicago▲ better
New York
Safety9.3 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Chicago▲ better
New York
Healthcare9.3 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Chicago▲ better
New York
Education8.9 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Chicago▲ better
New York
Environment8.0 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Chicago
New York▲ better
Economy8.0 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
Chicago▲ better
New York
Culture8.6 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Chicago▲ better
New York
Internet9.0 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Chicago▲ better
New York

Who should choose which city?

Choose Chicago if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than New York
  • ✓Architecture
  • ✓Food
  • ✓Transit
  • ✓Finance

Choose New York if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what New York offers vs Chicago
  • ✓Career opportunities
  • ✓Culture
  • ✓Transit
  • ✓Finance

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Full Chicago guide

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Full New York guide

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Explore New York →