Calgary
ChicagoVS
Calgary is 24% cheaper than Chicago overall.
| Calgary | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Centre) | $1,700.00 CAD | $2,937.48 CAD |
| Rent (1BR Outside Centre) | $1,450.00 CAD | $2,377.96 CAD |
| Groceries Index | 102 | 105 |
| Monthly Transit Pass | $115.00 CAD | $104.91 CAD |
| Utilities (monthly) | $195.00 CAD | $202.83 CAD |
| Gas (per litre) | $1.45 CAD | $1.33 CAD |
| Mid-range Meal | $25.00 CAD | $33.57 CAD |
| Gym Membership | $55.00 CAD | $69.94 CAD |
| Childcare (monthly) | $1,100.00 CAD | $2,238.08 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 Calgary...
You would need $79,435 in Chicago to maintain the same lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Is Calgary cheaper than Chicago?
Calgary is 24% cheaper than Chicago overall.
How much is rent in Calgary vs Chicago?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages $1,700 CAD per month in Calgary and $2,100 USD in Chicago. Outside the centre, it is $1,450 CAD in Calgary and $1,700 USD in Chicago.
What salary do I need to move from Calgary to Chicago?
On average, you need about 132% of your current salary — for example, $60,000 in Calgary is roughly equivalent to $79,435 in Chicago.