Chicago
Los AngelesVS
Chicago is 13% cheaper than Los Angeles overall.
| Chicago | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Centre) | $2,937.48 CAD | $3,497.00 CAD |
| Rent (1BR Outside Centre) | $2,377.96 CAD | $2,867.54 CAD |
| Groceries Index | 105 | 112 |
| Monthly Transit Pass | $104.91 CAD | $139.88 CAD |
| Utilities (monthly) | $202.83 CAD | $209.82 CAD |
| Gas (per litre) | $1.33 CAD | $1.75 CAD |
| Mid-range Meal | $33.57 CAD | $34.97 CAD |
| Gym Membership | $69.94 CAD | $76.93 CAD |
| Childcare (monthly) | $2,238.08 CAD | $2,377.96 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 Chicago...
You would need $69,005 in Los Angeles to maintain the same lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago cheaper than Los Angeles?
Chicago is 13% cheaper than Los Angeles overall.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Los Angeles?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages $2,100 USD per month in Chicago and $2,500 USD in Los Angeles. Outside the centre, it is $1,700 USD in Chicago and $2,050 USD in Los Angeles.
What salary do I need to move from Chicago to Los Angeles?
On average, you need about 115% of your current salary — for example, $60,000 in Chicago is roughly equivalent to $69,005 in Los Angeles.