The Verdict
Living in Chicago is 3% more expensive than Newcastle.
If you move from Chicago to Newcastle, you will pay less 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 $71,691 in Newcastle.
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 Newcastle:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Chicago | Newcastle | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $1,925 | $1,400 | $-525 |
| Monthly groceries | $383 | $410 | +$27 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $280 | $252 | $-28 |
| Public transport pass | $117 | $101 | $-16 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $190 | $170 | $-20 |
| Total Monthly | $2,895 | $2,333 | $-562 |
* 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 higher earning potential ($4,200/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (3% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 73/100)
- 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 Newcastle to match a Chicago salary
| Salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Newcastle | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $47,794 | $2,206 less |
| $75,000 | $71,691 | $3,309 less |
| $100,000 | $95,588 | $4,412 less |
| $125,000 | $119,485 | $5,515 less |
| $150,000 | $143,382 | $6,618 less |
| $200,000 | $191,176 | $8,824 less |
Chicago vs Newcastle: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 3%. Newcastle is the more affordable option.
Rent: Chicago has a rent index of 55, while Newcastle has 40.
Average Salaries: Chicago: $4,200/month vs Newcastle: $2,250/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Chicago wins 1, while Newcastle wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.