Moving from Melbourne to Chicago (2026)
Chicago has a COL index of 107 vs 110 for Melbourne (100 = US average). You'd pay about 3% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Chicago to match your Melbourne lifestyle
Based on the 3% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Melbourne | Equivalent in Chicago |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,909 |
| $50K | $48,636 |
| $60K | $58,364 |
| $75K | $72,955 |
| $80K | $77,818 |
| $100K | $97,273 |
| $120K | $116,727 |
| $150K | $145,909 |
Adjust your salary
Monthly budget at $75K — Melbourne vs Chicago
| Expense | Melbourne | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $3,000 | $4,434 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $380 | $388 |
| Transport | $150 | $105 |
| Utilities | $130 | $165 |
| Internet | $62 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $678 | $1,811 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago cheaper than Melbourne?
Yes. Chicago has a cost of living index of 107 vs 110 for Melbourne (100 = US average). That's about 3% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Melbourne to Chicago?
On a $75K salary, moving from Melbourne to Chicago saves roughly $2,206/month on core expenses. That's ~$26,472/year.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Melbourne lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Melbourne, you'd need roughly $72,955/year in Chicago. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only