Purchasing Power: Chicago vs 
Sydney (2026)
See what your salary in Chicago would feel like in Sydney — 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 $3,930 in Sydney
Monthly Cost of Living: Chicago vs Sydney
| Category |  Chicago |  Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Rent | $2,300 | $2,800 |
| 🛒 Groceries | $430 | $450 |
| 🍽️ Eating Out | $250 | $300 |
| 🚌 Transport | $105 | $200 |
| ⚡ Utilities | $160 | $180 |
| Total Essentials | $3,245 | $3,930 |
To match your lifestyle in Chicago on $100,000/year, you need approximately $110,044/year gross in Sydney.
That's $9,170/month gross, or roughly $53/hour.
Chicago
Monthly Net: $6,380
Monthly Expenses: $3,245
Disposable: $3,135
Savings Rate: 49.1%
Sydney (estimated)
Monthly Expenses: $3,930
To match disposable: $7,065 net/month needed
Equivalent gross: $110,044/year
Compare other city pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
How far does $100,000 go in Sydney compared to Chicago?
A monthly lifestyle basket costs $3,245 in Chicago versus $3,930 in Sydney.
What salary do I need in Sydney 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 $110,044/year gross in Sydney.
Is Sydney cheaper than Chicago to live in?
Monthly essential costs are $3,245 in Chicago versus $3,930 in Sydney. Note that these are in different currencies.