Purchasing Power: Chicago vs 
Toronto (2026)
See what your salary in Chicago would feel like in Toronto — 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 $3,536 in Toronto
Monthly Cost of Living: Chicago vs Toronto
| Category |  Chicago |  Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Rent | $2,300 | $2,500 |
| 🛒 Groceries | $430 | $450 |
| 🍽️ Eating Out | $250 | $280 |
| 🚌 Transport | $105 | $156 |
| ⚡ Utilities | $160 | $150 |
| Total Essentials | $3,245 | $3,536 |
To match your lifestyle in Chicago on $100,000/year, you need approximately $105,720/year gross in Toronto.
That's $8,810/month gross, or roughly $51/hour.
Chicago
Monthly Net: $6,380
Monthly Expenses: $3,245
Disposable: $3,135
Savings Rate: 49.1%
Toronto (estimated)
Monthly Expenses: $3,536
To match disposable: $6,671 net/month needed
Equivalent gross: $105,720/year
Compare other city pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
How far does $100,000 go in Toronto compared to Chicago?
A monthly lifestyle basket costs $3,245 in Chicago versus $3,536 in Toronto.
What salary do I need in Toronto 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 $105,720/year gross in Toronto.
Is Toronto cheaper than Chicago to live in?
Monthly essential costs are $3,245 in Chicago versus $3,536 in Toronto. Note that these are in different currencies.