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Columbus vs Chicago

United States vs United States · 928 km apart

Columbus

United States

$1,110

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

Chicago

United States

$1,635

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseColumbusChicagoCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$10.13$14.40Columbus
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$40.50$57.60Columbus
Cappuccino$3.04$4.32Columbus
Monthly groceries (single person)$230$326Columbus
Monthly public transport pass$37.13$52.80Columbus
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$97.88$139Columbus
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$28.35$40.32Columbus
Fitness club membership$28.35$40.32Columbus
Cinema ticket$7.43$10.56Columbus
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$625$971Columbus
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$435$675Columbus
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,304$2,026Columbus
Total single-person budget$1,110$1,635Columbus
Average net salary$3,510$4,992

Verdict

Columbus is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Columbus runs about $1,110 versus $1,635 in Chicago — a difference of roughly 47%.

Salary-adjusted, Chicago leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in Columbus  ·  Full cost of living in Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Columbus cheaper than Chicago?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $1,110 per month in Columbus versus $1,635 in Chicago — about 47% less.
How far is Columbus from Chicago?
The straight-line distance between Columbus and Chicago is approximately 928 km (577 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Columbus or Chicago?
The estimated average net salary is $3,510 in Columbus and $4,992 in Chicago. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $2,400 in Columbus versus $3,357 in Chicago per month.