Moving from Atlanta to Chicago (2026)
Chicago has a COL index of 107 vs 110 for Atlanta (100 = US average). You'd pay about 3% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$37/mo
on rent + taxes · $75K salary baseline
Change cities
Key differences
COL index
110 → 107
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900 → $1,900
per month
State tax
5.5% → 4.9%
income tax
COL difference
110 → 107
3% cheaper
Salary needed in Chicago to match your Atlanta lifestyle
Based on the 3% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Atlanta | Equivalent in Chicago |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,909 |
| $50K | $48,636 |
| $60K | $58,364 |
| $75K | $72,955 |
| $80K | $77,818 |
| $100K | $97,273 |
| $120K | $116,727 |
| $150K | $145,909 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
$75K
$
$30K$300K
Pay ~$27/mo moreon core expenses at $75K
Monthly budget at $75K — Atlanta vs Chicago
| Expense | Atlanta | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,397 | $4,434 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $376 | $388 |
| Transport | $95 | $105 |
| Utilities | $165 | $165 |
| Internet | $60 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,801 | $1,811 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago cheaper than Atlanta?
Yes. Chicago has a cost of living index of 107 vs 110 for Atlanta (100 = US average). That's about 3% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Atlanta to Chicago?
On a $75K salary, moving from Atlanta to Chicago saves roughly $37/month on core expenses. That's ~$444/year.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Atlanta lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Atlanta, you'd need roughly $72,955/year in Chicago. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Moving from Chicago to AtlantaAtlanta vs Chicago — full comparisonAtlanta cost of livingChicago cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only