Cost of Living: Chicago vs Las Palmas (2026)
United States vs Spain — relocation comparison
For the Kids
Schools, pediatric care, and whether your children can actually enroll
Sources: OECD PISA 2022 · Wikipedia · Numbeo · official health systems
Settler Essentials
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
The Short Version
- •Rent is 56% cheaper in Las Palmas ($1049/mo vs $2388/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Chicago (27°C vs 26°C).
- •Las Palmas is safer by homicide rate (0.6 vs 18.2 per 100k).
- •English is easier to get by in Chicago (100/100 vs 62/100 English proficiency).
Chicago vs Las Palmas — Common Questions
Is Chicago cheaper than Las Palmas?▾
Las Palmas is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1049/month in Las Palmas vs $2388/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Chicago or Las Palmas?▾
Las Palmas is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Chicago has a rate of 18.20 per 100,000 and Las Palmas has 0.61 per 100,000.
Should I move to Chicago or Las Palmas?▾
Las Palmas scores 70 to Chicago's 54 on livability — the gap is real. Chicago has its charms, but the numbers favor Las Palmas. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.
Is it easier to get residency in Chicago or Las Palmas?▾
Chicago: US Employment-Based Green Card (complex process, Permanent residence). Las Palmas: no specific remote work visa. See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Can I live in Chicago or Las Palmas without speaking the local language?▾
English is easier to get by in Chicago (EF EPI score: 100/100) than in Las Palmas (62/100). In Chicago, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Las Palmas, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.
Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.
Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.
Related comparisons