Chicago
New YorkVS
Chicago is 31% cheaper than New York overall.
| Chicago | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Centre) | $2,937.48 CAD | $5,455.32 CAD |
| Rent (1BR Outside Centre) | $2,377.96 CAD | $4,336.28 CAD |
| Groceries Index | 105 | 120 |
| Monthly Transit Pass | $104.91 CAD | $184.64 CAD |
| Utilities (monthly) | $202.83 CAD | $223.81 CAD |
| Gas (per litre) | $1.33 CAD | $1.47 CAD |
| Mid-range Meal | $33.57 CAD | $41.96 CAD |
| Gym Membership | $69.94 CAD | $111.90 CAD |
| Childcare (monthly) | $2,238.08 CAD | $3,077.36 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 $86,782 in New York to maintain the same lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago cheaper than New York?
Chicago is 31% cheaper than New York overall.
How much is rent in Chicago vs New York?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages $2,100 USD per month in Chicago and $3,900 USD in New York. Outside the centre, it is $1,700 USD in Chicago and $3,100 USD in New York.
What salary do I need to move from Chicago to New York?
On average, you need about 145% of your current salary — for example, $60,000 in Chicago is roughly equivalent to $86,782 in New York.