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Chicago vs New York: which is cheaper?

Chicago is 9% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

I need $65,194 in New York to live the same way.

🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$2,806
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$2,016
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$86,801
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$777,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
112.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$6,547
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$132
👥 People living there
2,711,226
8,483,844
Commute to work
33.1 min
40.3 min
College degree
44.3%
41.6%
Own their home
46%
32.8%
Below poverty line
16.8%
17.9%
Unemployment
8%
8%

Bottom line

Pay for the same job

JobChicagoNew YorkDifference
Server (Waiter/Waitress)$31,200$47,610+53% in New York
Operations Manager$109,390$157,000+44% in New York
Physician Assistant$127,940$167,650+31% in New York
Firefighter$82,820$106,420+28% in New York
Accountant$82,360$105,650+28% in New York
Lawyer$165,660$208,880+26% in New York
Market Research Analyst$80,400$100,520+25% in New York
Software Developer$134,380$166,830+24% in New York

Frequently asked questions

Is Chicago or New York cheaper to live in?

Chicago is about 9% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,983 a month there versus $2,806 in New York.

What salary do I need in New York to match $60,000 in Chicago?

About $65,194 a year gives the same standard of living in New York.

Where do people earn more, Chicago or New York?

The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $86,801 in New York, 3% more in New York.

More comparisons

All Chicago comparisons → · All New York comparisons →

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