Boston
ChicagoVS
Chicago is 18% cheaper than Boston overall.
Swipe to see full comparison
| Boston | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Centre) | $4,344.34 CAD | $2,942.94 CAD |
| Rent (1BR Outside Centre) | $3,503.50 CAD | $2,382.38 CAD |
| Groceries Index | 116 | 105 |
| Monthly Transit Pass | $126.13 CAD | $105.11 CAD |
| Utilities (monthly) | $217.22 CAD | $203.20 CAD |
| Gas (per litre) | $1.37 CAD | $1.33 CAD |
| Mid-range Meal | $37.84 CAD | $33.63 CAD |
| Gym Membership | $91.09 CAD | $70.07 CAD |
| Childcare (monthly) | $2,942.94 CAD | $2,242.24 CAD |
Each city is shown in your selected currency (toggle CAD/USD in the header); cheaper values are highlighted after converting to a common currency. Updated June 2026.
Salary Equivalence Calculator
If you earn $in Boston...
You would need $49,472 in Chicago to maintain the same lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston cheaper than Chicago?
Chicago is 18% cheaper than Boston overall.
How much is rent in Boston vs Chicago?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages $3,100 USD per month in Boston and $2,100 USD in Chicago. Outside the centre, it is $2,500 USD in Boston and $1,700 USD in Chicago.
What salary do I need to move from Boston to Chicago?
On average, you need about 82% of your current salary — for example, $60,000 in Boston is roughly equivalent to $49,472 in Chicago.