Compare the cost of living in New York vs Chicago, including rent, salary, and affordability. This guide shows which city is cheaper and how living costs differ between New York and Chicago.
When comparing New York vs Chicago cost of living, key factors include rent prices, grocery costs, transport, and average salary. Use this comparison to decide which city offers better value.
The average salary in New York is $1,380 per week, compared to $1,290 in Chicago.
For more details, see salary in New York and cost of living in New York, as well as salary in Chicago.
| City | Weekly Salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $1,380 |
| Chicago | $1,290 |
| City | Cost Index | Rent Index |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 100 | 97 |
| Chicago | 91 | 86 |
Is New York cheaper than Chicago? Based on the data above, Chicago generally has lower living costs, especially in rent and daily expenses.
However, New York offers higher average salaries, which may offset the higher cost of living.
If you are looking for affordability, Chicago is generally the better option. If you prioritise higher income and job opportunities, New York may be more attractive.
Chicago generally looks cheaper based on the cost of living and rent data shown above.
New York has the higher weekly salary based on the salary comparison shown above.
This depends on income, rent budget, and lifestyle. Many users compare both salary and cost of living before deciding.
Explore more US city comparisons to see how living costs, rent, and salary levels change across different locations.