The Verdict
Living in Chicago is 34% cheaper than Sydney.
If you move from Chicago to Sydney, 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 $112,500 in Sydney.
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 Sydney:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Chicago | Sydney | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $1,925 | $4,200 | +$2,275 |
| Monthly groceries | $383 | $428 | +$45 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $280 | $322 | +$42 |
| Public transport pass | $117 | $117 | — |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $190 | $196 | +$6 |
| Total Monthly | $2,895 | $5,263 | +$2,368 |
* 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 (34% 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 Sydney to match a Chicago salary
| Salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Sydney | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $75,000 | $25,000 more |
| $75,000 | $112,500 | $37,500 more |
| $100,000 | $150,000 | $50,000 more |
| $125,000 | $187,500 | $62,500 more |
| $150,000 | $225,000 | $75,000 more |
| $200,000 | $300,000 | $100,000 more |
Chicago vs Sydney: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 34%. Chicago is the more affordable option.
Rent: Chicago has a rent index of 55, while Sydney has 120.
Average Salaries: Chicago: $4,200/month vs Sydney: $3,380/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Chicago wins 5, while Sydney wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.