City Comparison · Updated May 2026
United States
COL index 82.4
Canada
COL index 80.4
Chicago vs Toronto — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Toronto is 2.4% cheaper than Chicago for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Chicago | Metric | Toronto | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 82.4 | Cost of living index | 80.4 | -2.4% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €41,511 | Net at €50,000 gross | €39,971 | -3.7% |
| €2,480 | Rent — 1BR centre | €2,180 | -12.1% |
| €3,461 | Monthly COL (single) | €3,104 | -10.3% |
| €50,377 | PPP — net / COL | €49,715 | -1.3% |
| 17.0% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 20.1% | +18.1% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in United States = €3,459 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Toronto, you would need roughly €50,666 gross in Canada (≈ €3,375 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- −High cost of living (index 82)
- +Favourable tax rate (17.0%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (71.7%)
- +Lower rent (€2,180 vs €2,480)
- −High cost of living (index 80)
- +Favourable tax rate (20.1%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (65.4%)
The verdict
Across the data, Chicago delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Toronto carries a lower cost-of-living index; Chicago has the lighter effective tax burden; Chicago wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Chicago edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Chicago cheaper than Toronto?+
Toronto is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Chicago 82.4, Toronto 80.4 — a 2.4% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Chicago and Toronto?+
Chicago sits at 82.4 on our COL index, Toronto at 80.4. That works out to roughly 2.4% — Toronto being the cheaper of the two.
Is Chicago a good place to live compared to Toronto?+
It depends on priorities. Chicago delivers €41,511 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 17.0% effective tax rate. Toronto delivers €39,971 at 20.1%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,480 vs €2,180.
How do salaries compare in Chicago vs Toronto?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €41,511/year (€3,459/month) in Chicago and €39,971/year (€3,331/month) in Toronto.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Toronto?+
United States has the lower effective rate at €50,000: United States 17.0%, Canada 20.1%.