salaryChicago is 3% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Ontario to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$2,618
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$2,120
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$95,923
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$607,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
106.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$3,638
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$134
👥 People living there
2,711,226
180,547
Commute to work
33.1 min
31.5 min
College degree
44.3%
22.5%
Own their home
46%
58%
Below poverty line
16.8%
12.4%
Unemployment
8%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Ontario for higher incomes, shorter commutes, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Ontario | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $103,380 | $63,920 | -38% in Ontario |
| Registered Nurse | $100,490 | $133,940 | +33% in Ontario |
| Physician Assistant | $127,940 | $165,490 | +29% in Ontario |
| Nurse Practitioner | $131,740 | $169,920 | +29% in Ontario |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $72,790 | -29% in Ontario |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $98,520 | +26% in Ontario |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $64,300 | -18% in Ontario |
| Civil Engineer | $100,160 | $115,120 | +15% in Ontario |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Chicago is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,983 a month there versus $2,618 in Ontario.
What salary do I need in Ontario to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $61,649 a year gives the same standard of living in Ontario.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Ontario?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $95,923 in Ontario, 12% more in Ontario.