Data last updated: August 2026

Chicago, ILMilan, Italy

You would need around 21.5% less money in Milan, Italy to maintain the same standard of living you have in Chicago, IL.

Overall Cost of Living

21.5%

Milan, Italy is cheaper than Chicago, IL

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,406 USD
City B1,719 USD
Difference-28.6%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A293 USD
City B326 USD
Difference+11.3%

Average Net Salary

City A5,136 USD
City B2,236 USD
Difference-56.5%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Chicago, IL to Milan, Italy? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Milan, Italy is 21.5% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Milan, Italy's center costs around 1,719 USD, which is a staggering 28.6% 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 Milan, Italy 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 Milan, Italy to maintain your current lifestyle in Chicago, IL.

USD

You need in Milan, Italy

4,032 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 Milan, Italy and investing the 21% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 3.2 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

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

Housing1719 USD
Groceries326 USD
Utilities & Internet260 USD

Investment Planner

You save 687 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Milan, Italy.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~115,416 USD in 10 years.