New York City vs Chicago — Cost of Living
Rent, overall costs and the equivalent salary you'd need to keep your lifestyle.
| New York City | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost index | 100 | 78 |
| Rent index | 100 | 70 |
| 1-bed city-centre rent | $3,800 | $2,100 |
A $60,000 lifestyle in New York City needs about
$46,800
in Chicago (cost-of-living parity, before tax)
New York City
One of the most expensive US cities, driven almost entirely by housing.
Chicago
A major-city lifestyle at noticeably lower housing costs than the coasts.
Remember that cost of living is only half the story — tax differs too. Check take-home pay with the United States calculator and United States calculator, or use the interactive comparator.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Is Chicago cheaper than New York City?
Chicago has an overall cost-of-living index of 78 versus New York City's 100, so it is cheaper by roughly 22%, driven largely by rent.
+What salary do I need in Chicago to match New York City?
To maintain a $60,000 lifestyle from New York City, you'd need roughly $46,800 in Chicago, based on cost-of-living parity (before tax differences).
Estimate only — not tax advice. Figures are estimates based on publicly available tax rules and may not reflect your full circumstances. See our methodology & sources (last reviewed June 2026). Always confirm with an official tax authority or a licensed adviser before making decisions.