San Francisco, CAChicago, IL
You would need around 30.8% less money in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living you have in San Francisco, CA.
Overall Cost of Living
Chicago, IL is cheaper than San Francisco, CA
1-Bed Rent (City Center)
Groceries (Monthly)
Average Net Salary
Editorial Insight: Planning a move from San Francisco, CA 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 30.8% 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 34.0% less than in San Francisco, CA. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.
Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team
Our cost of living data for San Francisco, CA 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 San Francisco, CA.
You need in Chicago, IL
5,450 USD
Geo-Arbitrage FIRE
Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.
By moving from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL and investing the 31% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 4.6 years earlier.
Budget Simulator
Instantly adapt your San Francisco, CA budget to local Chicago, IL prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.
Investment Planner
You save 1237 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 ~207,816 USD in 10 years.