Data last updated: August 2026

Chicago, ILVienna, Austria

You would need around 35.7% less money in Vienna, Austria to maintain the same standard of living you have in Chicago, IL.

Overall Cost of Living

35.7%

Vienna, Austria is cheaper than Chicago, IL

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,406 USD
City B1,310 USD
Difference-45.6%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A293 USD
City B322 USD
Difference+9.9%

Average Net Salary

City A5,136 USD
City B3,349 USD
Difference-34.8%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Chicago, IL to Vienna, Austria? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Vienna, Austria is 35.7% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Vienna, Austria's center costs around 1,310 USD, which is a staggering 45.6% 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 Vienna, Austria 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 Vienna, Austria to maintain your current lifestyle in Chicago, IL.

USD

You need in Vienna, Austria

3,301 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 Vienna, Austria and investing the 36% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 5.4 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

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

Housing1310 USD
Groceries322 USD
Utilities & Internet267 USD

Investment Planner

You save 1096 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Vienna, Austria.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~184,128 USD in 10 years.