The Verdict
Living in Chicago is 37% cheaper than San Francisco.
If you move from Chicago to San Francisco, 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 $115,809 in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Chicago | San Francisco | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $1,925 | $3,850 | +$1,925 |
| Monthly groceries | $383 | $459 | +$76 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $280 | $368 | +$88 |
| Public transport pass | $117 | $124 | +$7 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $190 | $196 | +$6 |
| Total Monthly | $2,895 | $4,996 | +$2,101 |
* 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 (37% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 68/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($7,000/mo avg)
- 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 San Francisco to match a Chicago salary
| Salary in Chicago | Equivalent in San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $77,206 | $27,206 more |
| $75,000 | $115,809 | $40,809 more |
| $100,000 | $154,412 | $54,412 more |
| $125,000 | $193,015 | $68,015 more |
| $150,000 | $231,618 | $81,618 more |
| $200,000 | $308,824 | $108,824 more |
Chicago vs San Francisco: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 37%. Chicago is the more affordable option.
Rent: Chicago has a rent index of 55, while San Francisco has 110.
Average Salaries: Chicago: $4,200/month vs San Francisco: $7,000/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Chicago wins 6, while San Francisco wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.