Data last updated: August 2026

Glendale, AZChicago, IL

You would need around 25.2% less money in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living you have in Glendale, AZ.

Overall Cost of Living

25.2%

Chicago, IL is cheaper than Glendale, AZ

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A3,350 USD
City B2,406 USD
Difference-28.2%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A328 USD
City B293 USD
Difference-10.7%

Average Net Salary

City A5,023 USD
City B5,136 USD
Difference+2.2%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Glendale, AZ to Chicago, IL? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Chicago, IL is 25.2% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Chicago, IL's center costs around 2,406 USD, which is a staggering 28.2% less than in Glendale, AZ. 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 Glendale, AZ and Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL to maintain your current lifestyle in Glendale, AZ.

USD

You need in Chicago, IL

3,755 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

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

By moving from Glendale, AZ to Chicago, IL and investing the 25% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 3.8 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

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

Housing2406 USD
Groceries293 USD
Utilities & Internet263 USD

Investment Planner

You save 944 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Chicago, IL.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~158,592 USD in 10 years.