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Chicago vs Miami

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Miami is 12% more expensive than Chicago overall.Chicago has a cost of living index of 107 vs Miami at 120 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Miami costs 31% less.

Pierre
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Chicago
IL
107
COLI index
VS
Miami
FL
120
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryChicagoMiamiDifference
Overall COLI107120+12%
Housing130170+31%
Groceries105108+3%
Transport108112+4%
Healthcare103104+1%
Utilities112110-2%

Median 1BR Rent

Chicago
$1,750/mo
Miami
$2,350/mo

Median Home Price

Chicago
$310,000
Miami
$595,000

Median Household Income

Chicago
$62,097
Miami
$47,861

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Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago is cheaper to live in overall. Chicago has a cost of living index of 107 while Miami has an index of 120, where 100 represents the US national average. Miami is 12% more expensive than Chicago overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Chicago is $1,750 per month compared to $2,350 in Miami. The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $595,000 in Miami. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Chicago has a cost of living index of 107 and Miami has an index of 120, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Chicago, multiply by 1.12. For example a $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to approximately $84,112 in Miami.

Chicago has a median household income of $62,097 per year versus $47,861 in Miami. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Chicago to Miami is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Miami is 12% more expensive overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.