Cost of Living in New York City vs Chicago
Side-by-side breakdown of rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and total monthly expenses. Chicago is 44% cheaper — saving you $2,234/month.
Comparison Summary
Chicago is 44% cheaper than New York City
Moving from New York City to Chicago saves $2,234/month — that's $26,808/year. Rent alone is 49% lower in Chicago. Groceries are 25% less expensive in Chicago.
$5,107
New York City Monthly
$2,873
Chicago Monthly
$2,234
Monthly Difference
$26,808
Annual Difference
New York City vs Chicago — Detailed Breakdown
Rent Comparison: New York City vs Chicago
Average 1-bedroom monthly rent comparison. Rent in Chicago is 49% lower than New York City — a difference of $1,800/month.
Annual Rent — New York City
$43,800
Annual Rent — Chicago
$22,200
Cost of Living Calculator — New York City vs Chicago
Adjust the monthly expenses below to personalize your cost comparison. Pre-filled with average data for each city.
Editing: New York City, NY
New York City Monthly
$5,107
$61,284/yr
Chicago Monthly
$2,873
$34,476/yr
Monthly Difference
$2,234
$26,808/yr
Cost of Living in New York City vs Chicago
When comparing the cost of living in New York City, NY and Chicago, IL, the data shows a clear difference across all major expense categories. New York City has a cost index of 187 while Chicago sits at 118 — both measured against the US national average of 100.
The average 1-bedroom apartment in New York City rents for $3,650/month, compared to $1,850/month in Chicago. That's a 49% difference in housing costs alone — the single largest expense for most households.
Beyond rent, everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation also vary significantly. New York City residents spend an average of $520/month on groceries, while Chicago residents spend $390/month. Transportation costs are $132/month in New York City versus $105/month in Chicago.
In total, the estimated monthly cost of living in New York City is $5,107, while Chicago comes in at $2,873. Over a full year, that gap amounts to $26,808 — a meaningful figure for anyone planning a relocation or comparing job offers across these two cities.
Is it Cheaper to Live in New York City or Chicago?
Based on current cost-of-living data, Chicago is the more affordable option. Living in Chicago costs approximately 44% less per month than New York City, saving residents around $2,234/month or $26,808/year.
Housing is typically the biggest driver of this difference. The lower rent in Chicago ($1,850/month) compared to New York City ($3,650/month) accounts for a significant portion of the overall savings. Utilities and groceries also tend to be lower in Chicago.
That said, cost of living is only one factor in a relocation decision. Job market conditions, salary levels, quality of life, climate, and proximity to family all play important roles. Use the calculator above to personalize these numbers based on your actual spending habits — the default figures are city averages and your individual costs may vary.
For a broader comparison, explore our City vs City Comparison Tool or check the Rent Comparison Tool to see how New York City and Chicago stack up against other US cities.
Frequently Asked Questions: New York City vs Chicago
Is it cheaper to live in New York City or Chicago?
KnowFinders provides a detailed side-by-side cost comparison of New York City vs Chicago including rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. Use our calculator above to see the full breakdown.
What is the average rent in New York City vs Chicago?
Rent prices vary significantly between New York City and Chicago. Our rent comparison section above shows average 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartment costs in both cities.
How does the cost of living in New York City compare to Chicago?
The cost of living comparison covers housing, food, transportation, utilities, and healthcare. Scroll through the comparison table above for a complete category-by-category breakdown.
Should I move from New York City to Chicago?
Moving decisions depend on your income, lifestyle, and priorities. Use our cost calculator to estimate your monthly expenses in both cities and consult with a local realtor for personalized advice.