The Verdict
Living in Chicago is 13% more expensive than Prague.
If you move from Chicago to Prague, you will pay less 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 $60,662 in Prague.
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 Prague:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Chicago | Prague | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $1,925 | $1,470 | $-455 |
| Monthly groceries | $383 | $261 | $-122 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $280 | $182 | $-98 |
| Public transport pass | $117 | $78 | $-39 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $190 | $130 | $-60 |
| Total Monthly | $2,895 | $2,121 | $-774 |
* 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 higher earning potential ($4,200/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (13% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 80/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
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 Prague to match a Chicago salary
| Salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Prague | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,441 | $9,559 less |
| $75,000 | $60,662 | $14,338 less |
| $100,000 | $80,882 | $19,118 less |
| $125,000 | $101,103 | $23,897 less |
| $150,000 | $121,324 | $28,676 less |
| $200,000 | $161,765 | $38,235 less |
Chicago vs Prague: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 13%. Prague is the more affordable option.
Rent: Chicago has a rent index of 55, while Prague has 42.
Average Salaries: Chicago: $4,200/month vs Prague: $1,850/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Chicago wins 0, while Prague wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.