Cost of Living: Chicago vs London (2026)
United States vs United Kingdom — relocation comparison
- No VAT exemption
- 15.3% social
- €1000/yr accountant
- VAT-free under €105k
- 9% social
- €600/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated April 2026
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · World Bank · Freedom House · Updated April 2026
Sun
How much sky you actually get
Sun clocks out before 5pm in both cities come December. Plan accordingly.
Source: WeatherSpark (clear-sky share of daytime hours)
Settler Essentials
Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
Reproductive Rights
Because your body shouldn't need a visa too
Post-Dobbs (2022): varies dramatically by state. Fully banned in ~14 states, protected in ~20 states.
Requires two doctors' approval under Abortion Act 1967, but broadly available up to 24 weeks.
Source: Center for Reproductive Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Can you hold hands without doing a risk assessment first
Source: Rainbow Europe (ILGA-Europe)
The Short Version
- •Rent is 20% cheaper in Chicago ($2388/mo vs $3000/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are noticeably warmer in Chicago (27°C vs 22°C).
- •London is safer by homicide rate (1.1 vs 17.5 per 100k).
Chicago vs London — Common Questions
Is Chicago cheaper than London?▾
Chicago is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $2388/month in Chicago vs $3000/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Chicago or London?▾
London is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Chicago has a rate of 17.50 per 100,000 and London has 1.07 per 100,000.
Should I move to Chicago or London?▾
London edges ahead 61 to 53. Chicago isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. 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 London?▾
Chicago: US Employment-Based Green Card (complex process, Permanent residence). London: UK Skilled Worker Visa (complex process, Up to 5 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Chicago or London?▾
Chicago is warmer in summer (27°C vs 22°C). London has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.
What's the cost of rent in Chicago vs London?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $2388/month in Chicago, $3000/month in London (Numbeo). That's 20% cheaper rent in Chicago.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Let the algorithm judge you
2 min quiz — surprisingly accurate
Related comparisons