The Verdict
Living in Chicago is 14% cheaper than Rotterdam.
If you move from Chicago to Rotterdam, 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 $90,441 in Rotterdam.
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 Rotterdam:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Chicago | Rotterdam | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $1,925 | $2,730 | +$805 |
| Monthly groceries | $383 | $383 | — |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $280 | $287 | +$7 |
| Public transport pass | $117 | $114 | $-3 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $190 | $210 | +$20 |
| Total Monthly | $2,895 | $3,724 | +$829 |
* 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 (14% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential ($4,200/mo avg)
- Prioritize safety (score: 81/100)
- 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 Rotterdam to match a Chicago salary
| Salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Rotterdam | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $60,294 | $10,294 more |
| $75,000 | $90,441 | $15,441 more |
| $100,000 | $120,588 | $20,588 more |
| $125,000 | $150,735 | $25,735 more |
| $150,000 | $180,882 | $30,882 more |
| $200,000 | $241,176 | $41,176 more |
Chicago vs Rotterdam: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 14%. Chicago is the more affordable option.
Rent: Chicago has a rent index of 55, while Rotterdam has 78.
Average Salaries: Chicago: $4,200/month vs Rotterdam: $2,666/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Chicago wins 4, while Rotterdam wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.