Purchasing Power: Chicago vs 
London (2026)
See what your salary in Chicago would feel like in London — and what you'd need to earn to maintain the same lifestyle.
From City
Your Gross Salary in Chicago
To City
A full monthly lifestyle basket costs $3,245 in Chicago vs £3,120 in London
Monthly Cost of Living: Chicago vs London
| Category |  Chicago |  London |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Rent | $2,300 | £2,200 |
| 🛒 Groceries | $430 | £350 |
| 🍽️ Eating Out | $250 | £250 |
| 🚌 Transport | $105 | £170 |
| ⚡ Utilities | $160 | £150 |
| Total Essentials | $3,245 | £3,120 |
To match your lifestyle in Chicago on $100,000/year, you need approximately £108,664/year gross in London.
That's £9,055/month gross, or roughly £52/hour.
Chicago
Monthly Net: $6,380
Monthly Expenses: $3,245
Disposable: $3,135
Savings Rate: 49.1%
London (estimated)
Monthly Expenses: £3,120
To match disposable: £6,255 net/month needed
Equivalent gross: £108,664/year
Compare other city pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
How far does $100,000 go in London compared to Chicago?
A monthly lifestyle basket costs $3,245 in Chicago versus £3,120 in London.
What salary do I need in London to match my lifestyle in Chicago?
To maintain the same disposable income and lifestyle as earning $100,000/year in Chicago, you would need to earn approximately £108,664/year gross in London.
Is London cheaper than Chicago to live in?
Monthly essential costs are $3,245 in Chicago versus £3,120 in London. Note that these are in different currencies.