City Comparison · Updated May 2026
United States
COL index 92.4
United States
COL index 82.4
Boston vs Chicago — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Chicago is 10.8% cheaper than Boston for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Boston | Metric | Chicago | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92.4 | Cost of living index | 82.4 | -10.8% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €41,511 | Net at €50,000 gross | €41,511 | 0.0% |
| €3,180 | Rent — 1BR centre | €2,480 | -22.0% |
| €4,305 | Monthly COL (single) | €3,461 | -19.6% |
| €44,925 | PPP — net / COL | €50,377 | +12.1% |
| 17.0% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 17.0% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in United States = €3,459 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Chicago, you would need roughly €44,558 gross in United States (≈ €3,085 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
Affiliate disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. WorthOf may earn a commission if you sign up. This does not affect our data, our methodology, or our editorial independence.
Pros & cons
- −High cost of living (index 92)
- +Favourable tax rate (17.0%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (91.9%)
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€2,480)
- −High cost of living (index 82)
- +Favourable tax rate (17.0%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (71.7%)
The verdict
Across the data, Chicago carries a lower cost-of-living index; Chicago wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Chicago edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Boston cheaper than Chicago?+
Chicago is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Boston 92.4, Chicago 82.4 — a 10.8% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Boston and Chicago?+
Boston sits at 92.4 on our COL index, Chicago at 82.4. That works out to roughly 10.8% — Chicago being the cheaper of the two.
Is Boston a good place to live compared to Chicago?+
It depends on priorities. Boston delivers €41,511 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 17.0% effective tax rate. Chicago delivers €41,511 at 17.0%. Centre 1-bed rent: €3,180 vs €2,480.
How do salaries compare in Boston vs Chicago?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €41,511/year (€3,459/month) in Boston and €41,511/year (€3,459/month) in Chicago.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Chicago?+
United States has the lower effective rate at €50,000: United States 17.0%, United States 17.0%.