The Verdict
Living in Cambridge is 14% more expensive than Chicago.
If you move from Cambridge 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 Cambridge, 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 Cambridge:
Why people love Chicago:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Cambridge | Chicago | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,625 | $1,925 | $-700 |
| Monthly groceries | $441 | $383 | $-58 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $308 | $280 | $-28 |
| Public transport pass | $117 | $117 | — |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $184 | $190 | +$6 |
| Total Monthly | $3,675 | $2,895 | $-780 |
* 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: 84/100)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (14% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential ($4,200/mo avg)
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 Cambridge salary
| Salary in Cambridge | 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 |
Cambridge vs Chicago: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 14%. Chicago is the more affordable option.
Rent: Cambridge has a rent index of 75, while Chicago has 55.
Average Salaries: Cambridge: $3,100/month vs Chicago: $4,200/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Cambridge wins 1, while Chicago wins 4.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.