Chicago
Miami

Chicago vs Miami — Cost of Living Comparison

Chicago
United States
VS
Miami
United States
Estimated average living costs are ~6% lower in Chicago

Chicago

$3,200

avg. monthly cost

Population

2,693,976

Safety

42/100

Quality

58/100

Cost
78
Safety
42
Life
58

Miami

$3,400

avg. monthly cost

Population

442,241

Safety

46/100

Quality

59/100

Cost
82
Safety
46
Life
59

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~6% lower in Chicago

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Chicago

$3,200

estimated per month

Miami

$3,400

estimated per month

Difference

+6.3%

Monthly savings

$200

Yearly savings

$2,400

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$79,688

+$4,688/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemChicagoMiamiDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$2,100.00$2,500.00
+19.0%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,450.00$1,750.00
+20.7%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$4,200.00$4,800.00
+14.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,600.00$3,000.00
+15.4%
ItemChicagoMiamiDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$20.00$22.00
+10.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$85.00$90.00
+5.9%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$10.00$11.00
+10.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.15$1.25
+8.7%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$3.60$3.80
+5.6%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.50$4.60
+2.2%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$4.00$4.30
+7.5%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$12.00$12.50
+4.2%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.00$5.50
+10.0%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.65$1.70
+3.0%
ItemChicagoMiamiDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$105.00$112.50
+7.1%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.50$2.25
-10.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.25$2.95
-9.2%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$1.80$1.85
+2.8%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.00$0.98
-2.0%
ItemChicagoMiamiDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$155.00$180.00
+16.1%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$48.00$50.00
+4.2%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$60.00$62.00
+3.3%
ItemChicagoMiamiDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$200.00$220.00
+10.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$165.00$175.00
+6.1%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$45.00$48.00
+6.7%
ItemChicagoMiamiDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$45.00$55.00
+22.2%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$15.00$16.00
+6.7%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.75$5.00
+5.3%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$7.00$7.50
+7.1%
ItemChicagoMiamiDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$48.00$50.00
+4.2%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$38.00$40.00
+5.3%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$85.00$88.00
+3.5%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Chicago vs Miami

Is Chicago or Miami more expensive?
Miami is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 82 compared with 78 for Chicago.
How much cheaper is Chicago than Miami?
Living in Chicago is around 5% cheaper than Miami, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Chicago and Miami?
Chicago scores 78 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Miami scores 82 — where New York City equals 100.