🇺🇸 Chicago vs 🇨🇦 Toronto
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Chicago
United States
$2,400–$3,800/mo
$2,400 – $3,800 / month (local)
🇨🇦
Toronto
Canada
$2,615–$4,141/mo
C$3,632 – C$5,751 / month (local)
Toronto is 9% more expensive
Chicago wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Chicago (USD) | Toronto (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,800–$2,800 | $1,962–$3,051 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $950–$1,500 | $1,035–$1,635 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Utilities | $75–$145 | $82–$158 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Groceries | $380–$570 | $414–$621 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $50–$90 | $54–$98 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Public transport (monthly) | $95–$115 | $104–$125 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Internet & Mobile | $30–$50 | $33–$54 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Gym membership | $35–$65 | $38–$71 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Cinema ticket | $14–$18 | $15–$20 | 🟢 Chicago |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,400–$3,800 | $2,615–$4,141 | 🟢 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 · 4.0 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Toronto
Safety9.3 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Toronto
Healthcare9.3 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Toronto
Education8.9 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Toronto
Environment8.0 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Chicago
Toronto▲ better
Economy8.0 / 10 · 7.2 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Toronto
Culture8.6 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Toronto
Internet9.0 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Toronto
Who should choose which city?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Toronto
- ✓Architecture
- ✓Food
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
Choose Toronto if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Toronto offers vs Chicago
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Safety
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Immigrants
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📊
Full Chicago guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Chicago →📊
Full Toronto guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Toronto →