Chicago vs Montevideo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Montevideo is roughly 36% more affordable than Chicago (index 38 vs 60, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Montevideo
More affordable overall
36% cheaper than Chicago · Cost index: 38 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 Index38✓
4,800✓Median Income /mo1,200
60Safety Index83✓
4.95✓Income Tax %18
150Internet (Mbps)160✓
250✓Coworking /mo275

Price Breakdown

ChicagoCategoryMontevideo
$2,471/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
70% ← cheaper
$750/month
$1.35/liter
Meal for One
19% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
22% ← cheaper
$14/meal
$75/month
Monthly Transit Pass
$75/month
$166/month
Utilities (Monthly)
8% cheaper →
$180/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
21% ← cheaper
$95/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Chicago

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

Montevideo

Internet160 Mbps
Coworking$275/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability75/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago cheaper than Montevideo?

Montevideo is cheaper than Chicago. Montevideo has a cost of living index of 38/100 compared to 60/100 for Chicago (New York = 100), making it roughly 36% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Montevideo than Chicago?

Montevideo is approximately 36% cheaper than Chicago based on cost index scores (38 vs 60, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Chicago could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,907/month in Montevideo.

What is the rent comparison between Chicago and Montevideo?

In Chicago, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,471/month. In Montevideo, the equivalent is around $750/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Chicago offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Montevideo offers 160 Mbps and coworking at ~$275/month. Montevideo has a cost advantage of 36%.

What is the average income in Chicago vs Montevideo?

The median net monthly salary in Chicago is approximately $4,800 USD, compared to $1,200 USD in Montevideo.

Compare Chicago with…

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