The Verdict
Living in Chicago is 44% cheaper than Copenhagen.
If you move from Chicago to Copenhagen, 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 $123,529 in Copenhagen.
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 Copenhagen:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Chicago | Copenhagen | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $1,925 | $4,200 | +$2,275 |
| Monthly groceries | $383 | $441 | +$58 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $280 | $368 | +$88 |
| Public transport pass | $117 | $124 | +$7 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $190 | $216 | +$26 |
| Total Monthly | $2,895 | $5,348 | +$2,453 |
* 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 (44% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential ($4,200/mo avg)
- Prioritize safety (score: 87/100)
- 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 Copenhagen to match a Chicago salary
| Salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Copenhagen | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $82,353 | $32,353 more |
| $75,000 | $123,529 | $48,529 more |
| $100,000 | $164,706 | $64,706 more |
| $125,000 | $205,882 | $80,882 more |
| $150,000 | $247,059 | $97,059 more |
| $200,000 | $329,412 | $129,412 more |
Chicago vs Copenhagen: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 44%. Chicago is the more affordable option.
Rent: Chicago has a rent index of 55, while Copenhagen has 120.
Average Salaries: Chicago: $4,200/month vs Copenhagen: $2,940/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Chicago wins 6, while Copenhagen wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.