Cost of living · head to head
Chicago, IL is 8% cheaper than New York, NY.
Based on overall price levels from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis. 100 equals the national average.
New York, NYoverall index
112.6
Chicago, ILoverall index
103.6
Try your own salary
in New York, NY
To live the same in Chicago, IL, you’d need about $92,007.
That’s about $7,993 less — Chicago, IL is cheaper.
Where the difference lies
The headline gap is 8%, but housing is where it really shows. Housing in Chicago, IL runs 25% lower than in New York, NY (112 vs 148.6), while everyday goods and services sit closer together. For most people the rent or mortgage line moves the most when relocating between these two metros, so weigh that gap more heavily than the overall figure.
Salary you’d need in Chicago, IL
| $50,000 in New York, NY | $46,004 |
| $75,000 in New York, NY | $69,005 |
| $100,000 in New York, NY | $92,007 |
| $150,000 in New York, NY | $138,011 |
| $200,000 in New York, NY | $184,014 |
Each row shows the salary in Chicago, IL that buys the same standard of living as the amount earned in New York, NY.
New York, NY · housing
148.6
Chicago, IL · housing
112
Common questions
Is Chicago, IL cheaper than New York, NY?
Yes — Chicago, IL has an overall cost-of-living index of 103.6 versus 112.6 for New York, NY, making it about 8% cheaper.
How much do you need to earn in Chicago, IL to match $100,000 in New York, NY?
About $92,007. To keep the same standard of living, salaries scale with local prices, so a $100,000 lifestyle in New York, NY costs roughly $92,007 in Chicago, IL.
Is housing cheaper in Chicago, IL than in New York, NY?
Housing in Chicago, IL scores 112 versus 148.6 in New York, NY — about 25% cheaper. Housing is usually the biggest driver of the overall gap.
What is the cost of living difference between New York, NY and Chicago, IL?
Overall, Chicago, IL is about 8% cheaper than New York, NY (index 103.6 vs 112.6), with housing 25% lower. Data is from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024.