The Verdict
Living in Chicago is 40% cheaper than Singapore.
If you move from Chicago to Singapore, 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 $119,118 in Singapore.
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 Singapore:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Chicago | Singapore | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $1,925 | $4,725 | +$2,800 |
| Monthly groceries | $383 | $383 | — |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $280 | $263 | $-17 |
| Public transport pass | $117 | $104 | $-13 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $190 | $190 | — |
| Total Monthly | $2,895 | $5,664 | +$2,769 |
* 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 (40% 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 Singapore to match a Chicago salary
| Salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Singapore | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $79,412 | $29,412 more |
| $75,000 | $119,118 | $44,118 more |
| $100,000 | $158,824 | $58,824 more |
| $125,000 | $198,529 | $73,529 more |
| $150,000 | $238,235 | $88,235 more |
| $200,000 | $317,647 | $117,647 more |
Chicago vs Singapore: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 40%. Chicago is the more affordable option.
Rent: Chicago has a rent index of 55, while Singapore has 135.
Average Salaries: Chicago: $4,200/month vs Singapore: $3,835/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Chicago wins 2, while Singapore wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.