Cost of Living: Chicago vs New York (2026)

Chicago vs New York cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. New York is about 9% more expensive than Chicago overall — $100,000 in Chicago is worth about $108,657 in New York.

New York is about 9% more expensive than Chicago overall — $100,000 in Chicago is worth about $108,657 in New York.

Chicago vs New York: the numbers

MetricChicagoNew YorkDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)104113+9%
Median rent$1,380$1,779+29%
Median home value$315,200$751,700+138%
Median household income$75,134$79,713+6%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Chicago has the same buying power as about $108,657 in New York. Going the other way, $100,000 in New York is like $92,033 in Chicago.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Chicago and New York.

Compare any salary: Chicago vs New York

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

New York is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 113 vs 104 — a 9% difference. Your money goes further in Chicago.

About $108,657 — that's what you'd need in New York to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Chicago.