Chicago vs Brussels

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Brussels is roughly 46% more affordable than Chicago (index 32 vs 60, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Brussels
More affordable overall
46% cheaper than Chicago · Cost index: 32 vs 60

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

60Cost Index32✓
4,800✓Median Income /mo3,030
60✓Safety Index44
4.95✓Income Tax %32
150✓Internet (Mbps)130
250Coworking /mo220✓

Price Breakdown

ChicagoCategoryBrussels
$2,471/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
51% ← cheaper
$1,200/month
$1.35/liter
Meal for One
4% cheaper →
$1.4/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
11% ← cheaper
$16/meal
$75/month
Monthly Transit Pass
23% ← cheaper
$58/month
$166/month
Utilities (Monthly)
21% cheaper →
$210/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
50% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Chicago

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability77/100

Brussels

Internet130 Mbps
Coworking$220/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability68/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago cheaper than Brussels?

Brussels is cheaper than Chicago. Brussels has a cost of living index of 32/100 compared to 60/100 for Chicago (New York = 100), making it roughly 46% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Brussels than Chicago?

Brussels is approximately 46% cheaper than Chicago based on cost index scores (32 vs 60, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Chicago could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,626/month in Brussels.

What is the rent comparison between Chicago and Brussels?

In Chicago, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,471/month. In Brussels, the equivalent is around $1,200/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Chicago or Brussels?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Chicago offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Brussels offers 130 Mbps and coworking at ~$220/month. Brussels has a cost advantage of 46%.

What is the average income in Chicago vs Brussels?

The median net monthly salary in Chicago is approximately $4,800 USD, compared to $3,030 USD in Brussels.

Compare Chicago with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Chicago wins or loses.

Cities that cost about the same as Chicago

Same spending tier, different part of the world — the head-to-heads people actually weigh when relocating.

Explore this comparison interactively

See radar charts, detailed category breakdowns, and compare any two cities in real time.

Free to start · No credit card needed