City comparison

Chicago vs Toronto

Chicago scores higher on salary; Chicago has a lower cost of living. Compare Chicago and Toronto on earnings, rent pressure, career opportunity, and 3-year financial impact.

Overall verdict

Chicago scores higher overall

Toronto would cost you meaningfully more to live in

How they compare

If you want to save more

ChicagoOverall fitToronto
62 / 53+9 Chicago
ChicagoSavingsToronto
58 / 46+12 Chicago
ChicagoCareerToronto
73 / 69+4 Chicago
ChicagoLow pressureToronto
63 / 59+4 Chicago

If you want career growth

ChicagoOverall fitToronto
68 / 62+6 Chicago
ChicagoSavingsToronto
58 / 46+12 Chicago
ChicagoCareerToronto
73 / 69+4 Chicago
ChicagoLow pressureToronto
63 / 59+4 Chicago

If you want better balance

ChicagoOverall fitToronto
66 / 64+2 Chicago
ChicagoSavingsToronto
58 / 46+12 Chicago
ChicagoCareerToronto
73 / 69+4 Chicago
ChicagoLow pressureToronto
63 / 59+4 Chicago

Financial impact: moving from Chicago to Toronto

Based on a representative $80,000 USD salary. Not tax-adjusted.

-$1,340
Monthly
-$16,080
1 year
-$48,240
3 years

Moving from Chicago to Toronto: trade-offs

You lose

Weaker savings potential — Toronto is 12 points lower on savings capacity
-$1,340/mo estimated net reduction — $16,080 over the first year

Chicago

US
Salary index
70
Cost index
60
Rent pressure
37
Opportunity
74

Toronto

CA
Salary index
62
Cost index
68
Rent pressure
41
Opportunity
72

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The comparison above uses a representative salary. Enter yours for an accurate picture.

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