Chicago vs San Francisco
Cost of Living Comparison (2026)
Overall Verdict
Chicago is 31% cheaper than San Francisco overall. Chicago is expensive while San Francisco is very expensive.
$1,335/mo
Chicago 1BR Rent
$1,969/mo
San Francisco 1BR Rent
Cost Comparison
| Category | Chicago | San Francisco | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR Rent (City Center) | $1,335/mo | $1,969/mo | Chicago |
| 3BR Rent (City Center) | $2,629/mo | $3,321/mo | Chicago |
| Meal (Inexpensive) | $12 | $20 | Chicago |
| Meal for 2 (Mid-Range) | $46 | $74 | Chicago |
| Monthly Groceries | $329 | $472 | Chicago |
| Monthly Transport | $74 | $102 | Chicago |
| Monthly Utilities | $129 | $192 | Chicago |
| Internet | $44/mo | $72/mo | Chicago |
| Coffee | $3 | $5 | Chicago |
| Beer (Domestic) | $6 | $7 | Chicago |
| Gym Membership | $34/mo | $59/mo | Chicago |
Quality of Life Comparison
Overall Quality
76
85
Safety
45
50
Healthcare
80
82
Education
77
83
Internet Speed
164
156
Nightlife
73
88
Which City Is Better For...
Budget LivingChicago
SafetySan Francisco
HealthcareSan Francisco
NightlifeSan Francisco
FamiliesChicago
Remote WorkChicago