Milan vs Chicago

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Chicago is roughly 3% more affordable than Milan (index 42 vs 43, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Chicago
More affordable overall
3% cheaper than Milan · Cost index: 42 vs 43

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

43Cost Index42
2,850Median Income /mo6,250
72Safety Index52
23Income Tax %28
190Internet (Mbps)940
250Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

MilanCategoryChicago
$1,875/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
21% cheaper →
$2,368/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
14% cheaper →
$1.28/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
$18/meal
$44/month
Monthly Transit Pass
41% cheaper →
$75/month
$280/month
Utilities (Monthly)
35% ← cheaper
$182/month
$90/visit
Doctor Visit
40% cheaper →
$150/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Milan

Internet190 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability75/100

Chicago

Internet940 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Milan cheaper than Chicago?

Chicago is cheaper than Milan. Chicago has a cost of living index of 42/100 compared to 43/100 for Milan (New York = 100), making it roughly 3% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Chicago than Milan?

Chicago is approximately 3% cheaper than Milan based on cost index scores (42 vs 43, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Milan could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,922/month in Chicago.

What is the rent comparison between Milan and Chicago?

In Milan, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,875/month. In Chicago, the equivalent is around $2,368/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Milan offers 190 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Chicago offers 940 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Chicago has a cost advantage of 3%.

What is the average income in Milan vs Chicago?

The median net monthly salary in Milan is approximately $2,850 USD, compared to $6,250 USD in Chicago.

Compare Milan with…

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

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