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Miami vs Chicago

Chicago runs about 14% cheaper than Miami for this household, a difference of 693 USD a month.

Taken at PortMiami on March 11, 2024.
Miami
$4,927/month · United States
Kiran891 · CC BY-SA 4.0
View of Chicago from Willis Tower
Chicago
$4,234/month · United States
Andrew Horne · CC BY 2.0
Miami monthly
$4,927
Index 77 (NYC = 100)
Chicago monthly
$4,234
Index 66 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-14%
Chicago relative to Miami
Rent gap
$516
Miami costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

MiamiChicago
  • Housing
    Housing: Miami $2,744, Chicago $2,228. Cheaper in Chicago.
  • Food
    Food: Miami $849, Chicago $788. Cheaper in Chicago.
  • Transport
    Transport: Miami $195, Chicago $154. Cheaper in Chicago.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Miami $250, Chicago $221. Cheaper in Chicago.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Miami $547, Chicago $525. Cheaper in Chicago.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Miami $181, Chicago $170. Cheaper in Chicago.
  • Other
    Other: Miami $162, Chicago $149. Cheaper in Chicago.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricMiamiChicago
Cost
Total monthly cost4,927 USD4,234 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)7766✓
Housing2,744 USD2,228 USD✓
Utilities250 USD221 USD✓
Food849 USD788 USD✓
Transport195 USD154 USD✓
Healthcare547 USD525 USD✓
Lifestyle181 USD170 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr6,575 USD✓6,228 USD
Effective tax + social rate21.1%✓25.3%
Left over each month1,648 USD1,993 USD✓
Average local net salary3,900 USD4,400 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,744 USD2,228 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre5,286 USD4,244 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre8,200 USD4,500 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety50/10052/100✓
Healthcare76/10084/100✓
Air quality68/100✓62/100
Public transport48/10078/100✓
Walkability62/10080/100✓
English proficiency88/100100/100✓
Nightlife90/100✓88/100
Family friendliness62/10066/100✓
Median broadband250 Mbps✓210 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature25°C10°C✓
Summer high32°C29°C✓
Winter low15°C✓-8°C
Sunshine hours per year2,900 h✓2,500 h
Annual rainfall1570 mm990 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access15 min15 min
CurrencyUSDUSD
Time zoneAmerica/New_YorkAmerica/Chicago

Chicago runs about 14% cheaper than Miami for this household, a difference of 693 USD a month.

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Go deeper

Cost of living in MiamiCost of living in ChicagoConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
Miami vs Los AngelesMiami vs SeattleMiami vs Vancouver
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Miami or Chicago cheaper?

Chicago runs about 14% cheaper than Miami for this household, a difference of 693 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Chicago compared with Miami?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $6,575 a month in Miami and $6,228 in Chicago, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Miami or Chicago?

Miami scores 50/100 on safety and 76/100 on healthcare; Chicago scores 52 and 84. Miami averages 25°C against 10°C in Chicago.