Chicago vs Tel Aviv

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Tel Aviv is roughly 21% more affordable than Chicago (index 47 vs 60, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Tel Aviv
More affordable overall
21% cheaper than Chicago · Cost index: 47 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 Index47✓
4,800✓Median Income /mo3,850
60Safety Index73✓
4.95✓Income Tax %25
150Internet (Mbps)150
250✓Coworking /mo540

Price Breakdown

ChicagoCategoryTel Aviv
$2,471/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
3% ← cheaper
$2,400/month
$1.35/liter
Meal for One
32% cheaper →
$2/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
38% cheaper →
$29/meal
$75/month
Monthly Transit Pass
7% ← cheaper
$70/month
$166/month
Utilities (Monthly)
17% cheaper →
$200/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
14% cheaper →
$140/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Chicago

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

Tel Aviv

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$540/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability74/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago cheaper than Tel Aviv?

Tel Aviv is cheaper than Chicago. Tel Aviv has a cost of living index of 47/100 compared to 60/100 for Chicago (New York = 100), making it roughly 21% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Tel Aviv than Chicago?

Tel Aviv is approximately 21% cheaper than Chicago based on cost index scores (47 vs 60, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Chicago could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,383/month in Tel Aviv.

What is the rent comparison between Chicago and Tel Aviv?

In Chicago, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,471/month. In Tel Aviv, the equivalent is around $2,400/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Chicago or Tel Aviv?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Chicago offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Tel Aviv offers 150 Mbps and coworking at ~$540/month. Tel Aviv has a cost advantage of 21%.

What is the average income in Chicago vs Tel Aviv?

The median net monthly salary in Chicago is approximately $4,800 USD, compared to $3,850 USD in Tel Aviv.

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