Moving from Boston to Chicago (2026)
Chicago has a COL index of 107 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 34% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$1,140/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
162107
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$3,000$1,900
per month
State tax
5%4.9%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,428$4,434
per month
Salary needed in Chicago to match your Boston lifestyle
Based on the 34% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boston | Equivalent in Chicago |
|---|---|
| $40K | $26,420 |
| $50K | $33,025 |
| $60K | $39,630 |
| $75K | $49,537 |
| $80K | $52,840 |
| $100K | $66,049 |
| $120K | $79,259 |
| $150K | $99,074 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boston vs Chicago
| Expense | Boston | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,428 | $4,434 |
| 1BR rent | $3,000 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $418 | $388 |
| Transport | $90 | $105 |
| Utilities | $185 | $165 |
| Internet | $70 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $665 | $1,811 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago cheaper than Boston?
Yes. Chicago has a cost of living index of 107 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). That's about 34% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boston to Chicago?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boston to Chicago could save roughly $1,140/month on core expenses. That's ~$13,680/year.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Boston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boston, you'd need roughly $49,537/year in Chicago. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Chicago to BostonBoston vs Chicago — full comparisonBoston cost of livingChicago cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only