Data last updated: August 2026

Chicago, ILBrisbane, Australia

You would need around 18.1% less money in Brisbane, Australia to maintain the same standard of living you have in Chicago, IL.

Overall Cost of Living

18.1%

Brisbane, Australia is cheaper than Chicago, IL

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,406 USD
City B1,977 USD
Difference-17.8%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A293 USD
City B255 USD
Difference-13.0%

Average Net Salary

City A5,136 USD
City B4,294 USD
Difference-16.4%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Chicago, IL to Brisbane, Australia? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Brisbane, Australia is 18.1% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Brisbane, Australia's center costs around 1,977 USD, which is a staggering 17.8% less than in Chicago, IL. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Chicago, IL and Brisbane, Australia is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Brisbane, Australia to maintain your current lifestyle in Chicago, IL.

USD

You need in Brisbane, Australia

4,204 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Chicago, IL to Brisbane, Australia and investing the 18% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 2.7 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Chicago, IL budget to local Brisbane, Australia prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1977 USD
Groceries255 USD
Utilities & Internet200 USD

Investment Planner

You save 429 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Brisbane, Australia.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~72,072 USD in 10 years.