The Verdict
Living in Abu Dhabi is 14% more expensive than Chicago.
If you move from Abu Dhabi to Chicago, you will pay less for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Abu Dhabi, you would need to earn about $62,195 in Chicago.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Abu Dhabi:
Why people love Chicago:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Abu Dhabi | Chicago | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,730 | $1,925 | $-805 |
| Monthly groceries | $338 | $383 | +$45 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $280 | $280 | — |
| Public transport pass | $78 | $117 | +$39 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $140 | $190 | +$50 |
| Total Monthly | $3,566 | $2,895 | $-671 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (14% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 62/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($4,200/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Chicago to match a Abu Dhabi salary
| Salary in Abu Dhabi | Equivalent in Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $41,463 | $8,537 less |
| $75,000 | $62,195 | $12,805 less |
| $100,000 | $82,927 | $17,073 less |
| $125,000 | $103,659 | $21,341 less |
| $150,000 | $124,390 | $25,610 less |
| $200,000 | $165,854 | $34,146 less |
Abu Dhabi vs Chicago: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 14%. Chicago is the more affordable option.
Rent: Abu Dhabi has a rent index of 78, while Chicago has 55.
Average Salaries: Abu Dhabi: $3,520/month vs Chicago: $4,200/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Abu Dhabi wins 3, while Chicago wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.