The Verdict
Living in Chicago is 0% more expensive than Madrid.
If you move from Chicago to Madrid, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Chicago, you would need to earn about $75,000 in Madrid.
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 Chicago:
Why people love Madrid:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Chicago | Madrid | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $1,925 | $2,030 | +$105 |
| Monthly groceries | $383 | $324 | $-59 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $280 | $228 | $-52 |
| Public transport pass | $117 | $98 | $-19 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $190 | $164 | $-26 |
| Total Monthly | $2,895 | $2,843 | $-52 |
* 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
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential ($4,200/mo avg)
- Prioritize safety (score: 78/100)
- 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 Madrid to match a Chicago salary
| Salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Madrid | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $50,000 | $0 more |
| $75,000 | $75,000 | $0 more |
| $100,000 | $100,000 | $0 more |
| $125,000 | $125,000 | $0 more |
| $150,000 | $150,000 | $0 more |
| $200,000 | $200,000 | $0 more |
Chicago vs Madrid: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 0%.
Rent: Chicago has a rent index of 55, while Madrid has 58.
Average Salaries: Chicago: $4,200/month vs Madrid: $1,978/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Chicago wins 1, while Madrid wins 4.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.