Data last updated: August 2026

Chicago, ILToronto, Canada

You would need around 31.1% less money in Toronto, Canada to maintain the same standard of living you have in Chicago, IL.

Overall Cost of Living

31.1%

Toronto, Canada is cheaper than Chicago, IL

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,406 USD
City B1,642 USD
Difference-31.8%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A293 USD
City B213 USD
Difference-27.3%

Average Net Salary

City A5,136 USD
City B3,507 USD
Difference-31.7%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Chicago, IL to Toronto, Canada? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Toronto, Canada is 31.1% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Toronto, Canada's center costs around 1,642 USD, which is a staggering 31.8% 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.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Chicago, IL and Toronto, Canada 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 Toronto, Canada to maintain your current lifestyle in Chicago, IL.

USD

You need in Toronto, Canada

3,540 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 Toronto, Canada and investing the 31% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 4.7 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

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

Housing1642 USD
Groceries213 USD
Utilities & Internet192 USD

Investment Planner

You save 764 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Toronto, Canada.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~128,352 USD in 10 years.