Chicago vs Fukuoka

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Fukuoka is roughly 34% more affordable than Chicago (index 40 vs 60, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Fukuoka
More affordable overall
34% cheaper than Chicago · Cost index: 40 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 Index40
4,800Median Income /mo3,100
60Safety Index85
4.95Income Tax %20
150Internet (Mbps)122
250Coworking /mo170

Price Breakdown

ChicagoCategoryFukuoka
$2,471/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
79% ← cheaper
$520/month
$1.35/liter
Meal for One
11% ← cheaper
$1.2/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
33% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$75/month
Monthly Transit Pass
27% ← cheaper
$55/month
$166/month
Utilities (Monthly)
22% ← cheaper
$130/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
50% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Chicago

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

Fukuoka

Internet122 Mbps
Coworking$170/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability68/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago cheaper than Fukuoka?

Fukuoka is cheaper than Chicago. Fukuoka has a cost of living index of 40/100 compared to 60/100 for Chicago (New York = 100), making it roughly 34% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Fukuoka than Chicago?

Fukuoka is approximately 34% cheaper than Chicago based on cost index scores (40 vs 60, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Chicago could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,991/month in Fukuoka.

What is the rent comparison between Chicago and Fukuoka?

In Chicago, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,471/month. In Fukuoka, the equivalent is around $520/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Chicago offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Fukuoka offers 122 Mbps and coworking at ~$170/month. Fukuoka has a cost advantage of 34%.

What is the average income in Chicago vs Fukuoka?

The median net monthly salary in Chicago is approximately $4,800 USD, compared to $3,100 USD in Fukuoka.

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