The Verdict
Living in Boston is 20% more expensive than Chicago.
If you move from Boston to Chicago, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Boston, you would need to earn about $57,955 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 Boston:
Why people love Chicago:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Boston | Chicago | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,150 | $1,925 | $-1,225 |
| Monthly groceries | $414 | $383 | $-31 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $333 | $280 | $-53 |
| Public transport pass | $111 | $117 | +$6 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $220 | $190 | $-30 |
| Total Monthly | $4,227 | $2,895 | $-1,332 |
* 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
- Prioritize safety (score: 71/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($5,200/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (20% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Chicago to match a Boston salary
| Salary in Boston | Equivalent in Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $38,636 | $11,364 less |
| $75,000 | $57,955 | $17,045 less |
| $100,000 | $77,273 | $22,727 less |
| $125,000 | $96,591 | $28,409 less |
| $150,000 | $115,909 | $34,091 less |
| $200,000 | $154,545 | $45,455 less |
Boston vs Chicago: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 20%. Chicago is the more affordable option.
Rent: Boston has a rent index of 90, while Chicago has 55.
Average Salaries: Boston: $5,200/month vs Chicago: $4,200/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Boston wins 1, while Chicago wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.