The Verdict
Living in Chicago is 24% cheaper than Melbourne.
If you move from Chicago to Melbourne, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Chicago, you would need to earn about $101,471 in Melbourne.
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 Melbourne:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Chicago | Melbourne | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $1,925 | $3,325 | +$1,400 |
| Monthly groceries | $383 | $414 | +$31 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $280 | $308 | +$28 |
| Public transport pass | $117 | $111 | $-6 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $190 | $190 | — |
| Total Monthly | $2,895 | $4,348 | +$1,453 |
* 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 (24% 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 Melbourne to match a Chicago salary
| Salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Melbourne | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $67,647 | $17,647 more |
| $75,000 | $101,471 | $26,471 more |
| $100,000 | $135,294 | $35,294 more |
| $125,000 | $169,118 | $44,118 more |
| $150,000 | $202,941 | $52,941 more |
| $200,000 | $270,588 | $70,588 more |
Chicago vs Melbourne: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 24%. Chicago is the more affordable option.
Rent: Chicago has a rent index of 55, while Melbourne has 95.
Average Salaries: Chicago: $4,200/month vs Melbourne: $3,120/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Chicago wins 4, while Melbourne wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.