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New York vs Chicago

United States vs United States · 1,156 km apart

New York

United States

$1,664

single / month

VS

Chicago

United States

$1,635

single / month

Cheaper overall

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseNew YorkChicagoCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$14.63$14.40Chicago
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$58.50$57.60Chicago
Cappuccino$4.39$4.32Chicago
Monthly groceries (single person)$332$326Chicago
Monthly public transport pass$53.63$52.80Chicago
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$141$139Chicago
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$40.95$40.32Chicago
Fitness club membership$40.95$40.32Chicago
Cinema ticket$10.73$10.56Chicago
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$990$971Chicago
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$689$675Chicago
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$2,066$2,026Chicago
Total single-person budget$1,664$1,635Chicago
Average net salary$5,070$4,992

Verdict

Chicago is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in New York runs about $1,664 versus $1,635 in Chicago — a difference of roughly 2%.

Salary-adjusted, New York 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 New York  ·  Full cost of living in Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New York cheaper than Chicago?
No. New York costs an estimated $1,664 per month for a single person, about 2% more than Chicago at $1,635.
How far is New York from Chicago?
The straight-line distance between New York and Chicago is approximately 1,156 km (718 miles).
Which city has better salaries, New York or Chicago?
The estimated average net salary is $5,070 in New York and $4,992 in Chicago. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $3,406 in New York versus $3,357 in Chicago per month.