The Verdict
Living in Cardiff is 1% cheaper than Chicago.
If you move from Cardiff to Chicago, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Cardiff, you would need to earn about $76,119 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 Cardiff:
Why people love Chicago:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Cardiff | Chicago | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $1,575 | $1,925 | +$350 |
| Monthly groceries | $414 | $383 | $-31 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $256 | $280 | +$24 |
| Public transport pass | $103 | $117 | +$14 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $168 | $190 | +$22 |
| Total Monthly | $2,515 | $2,895 | +$380 |
* 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 (1% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 76/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- 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 Cardiff salary
| Salary in Cardiff | Equivalent in Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $50,746 | $746 more |
| $75,000 | $76,119 | $1,119 more |
| $100,000 | $101,493 | $1,493 more |
| $125,000 | $126,866 | $1,866 more |
| $150,000 | $152,239 | $2,239 more |
| $200,000 | $202,985 | $2,985 more |
Cardiff vs Chicago: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 1%. Cardiff is the more affordable option.
Rent: Cardiff has a rent index of 45, while Chicago has 55.
Average Salaries: Cardiff: $2,350/month vs Chicago: $4,200/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Cardiff wins 5, while Chicago wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.