Chicago
San FranciscoVS
Chicago is 25% cheaper than San Francisco overall.
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| Chicago | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Centre) | $2,942.94 CAD | $4,764.76 CAD |
| Rent (1BR Outside Centre) | $2,382.38 CAD | $3,783.78 CAD |
| Groceries Index | 105 | 122 |
| Monthly Transit Pass | $105.11 CAD | $113.51 CAD |
| Utilities (monthly) | $203.20 CAD | $224.22 CAD |
| Gas (per litre) | $1.33 CAD | $1.82 CAD |
| Mid-range Meal | $33.63 CAD | $39.24 CAD |
| Gym Membership | $70.07 CAD | $105.11 CAD |
| Childcare (monthly) | $2,242.24 CAD | $3,223.22 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 $80,168 in San Francisco to maintain the same lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago cheaper than San Francisco?
Chicago is 25% cheaper than San Francisco overall.
How much is rent in Chicago vs San Francisco?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages $2,100 USD per month in Chicago and $3,400 USD in San Francisco. Outside the centre, it is $1,700 USD in Chicago and $2,700 USD in San Francisco.
What salary do I need to move from Chicago to San Francisco?
On average, you need about 134% of your current salary — for example, $60,000 in Chicago is roughly equivalent to $80,168 in San Francisco.