Cost of Living: Boston vs Chicago (2026)
Compare cost of living: Boston vs Chicago. Rent, groceries, transport, and salary equivalents. Chicago is 24% cheaper.
Boston is approximately 24% more expensive than Chicago overall. Moving from Boston to Chicago could save you $11400+/year in rent alone. This comparison breaks down every major expense category so you can decide where your money goes further.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
Compare cost of living Boston vs Chicago including housing, groceries, transportation, and taxes. This comparison calculator shows whether Boston or Chicago is more affordable and how far your salary stretches in each city.
| Category | Boston | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 131 | +24% |
| Median 1BR Rent | $2,800/mo | $1,850/mo | +$950 |
| Median Salary | $72,000 | $62,000 | +$10,000 |
| Groceries (weekly) | $112 | $95 | +$17 |
| Transportation (monthly) | $120 | $105 | +$15 |
Index base: 100 = national average. Use our Cost of Living Calculator for a personalized comparison.
Salary Needed to Maintain Your Lifestyle
If you earn $75,000 in Boston, you would need approximately $60,648 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of living. Conversely, $75,000 in Chicago requires $92,748 in Boston.
| Salary in Boston | Equivalent in Chicago |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,432 |
| $75,000 | $60,648 |
| $100,000 | $80,864 |
| $125,000 | $101,080 |
| $150,000 | $121,296 |
Compare take-home pay: Take-Home Pay Calculator
Housing Deep Dive
Housing is the biggest cost difference. Median 1-bedroom rent is $2,800 in Boston vs $1,850 in Chicago — $950/month or $11,400/year. If buying, use our Home Affordability Calculator to compare purchasing power in each city.