United States vs United States · 2,838 km apart
United States
single / month
Cheaper overallUnited States
single / month
| Expense | Merced | Chicago | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $11.25 | $14.40 | Merced |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | $45.00 | $57.60 | Merced |
| Cappuccino | $3.38 | $4.32 | Merced |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | $255 | $326 | Merced |
| Monthly public transport pass | $41.25 | $52.80 | Merced |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | $109 | $139 | Merced |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | $31.50 | $40.32 | Merced |
| Fitness club membership | $31.50 | $40.32 | Merced |
| Cinema ticket | $8.25 | $10.56 | Merced |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | $713 | $971 | Merced |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | $496 | $675 | Merced |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | $1,488 | $2,026 | Merced |
| Total single-person budget | $1,246 | $1,635 | Merced |
| Average net salary | $3,900 | $4,992 |
Merced is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Merced runs about $1,246 versus $1,635 in Chicago — a difference of roughly 31%.
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 Merced · Full cost of living in Chicago