Cost of living comparison between Chicago (United States) and Charlotte (United States)
| Food | 4% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Chicago (United States) is 4% cheaper than in Charlotte (United States) | |||
| Daily menu in the business district | $12.14 | $11.56 | 5% |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) | $6.25 | $5.62 | 11% |
| 1/2 Kg (1 lb.) of chicken breast | $3.87 | $4.94 | 22% |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | $2.46 | $2.44 | 1% |
| 12 eggs, large | $2.39 | $2.35 | 2% |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | $3.11 | $5.33 | 42% |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | $5.00 | $4.21 | 19% |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | $3.29 | $3.53 | 7% |
| 2 kg (4,5 lb.) of potatoes | $3.14 | $4.07 | 23% |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) beer in the supermarket | $1.99 | $2.08 | 4% |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | $14.19 | $18.33 | 23% |
| 2 liters of Coca-Cola | $1.78 | $1.63 | 9% |
| bread for 2 people for 1 day | $2.15 | $1.37 | 57% |
| Housing | 8% | ||
| Housing in Chicago (United States) is 8% more expensive than in Charlotte (United States) | |||
| monthly rent for a 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished apartment in expensive area of the city | $1,564 | $1,267 | 23% |
| utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | $157 | $218 | 28% |
| Internet 8MB (1 month) | $43 | $42 | 1% |
| 40” flat screen TV | $588 | $603 | 3% |
| Microwave, known brand, 800/900 Watt | $114 | $90 | 26% |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | $8.46 | $12.74 | 34% |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | $29 | $33 | 13% |
| Clothes | 3% | ||
| Clothes in Chicago (United States) is 3% cheaper than in Charlotte (United States) | |||
| 1 pair of Levis 501 | $48 | $43 | 12% |
| 1 summer dress in a chain store (Zara, H&M, ...) | $40 | $43 | 6% |
| 1 pair of Adidas trainers | $72 | $76 | 5% |
| 1 pair of average business shoes | $78 | $81 | 4% |
| Transportation | 37% | ||
| Transportation in Chicago (United States) is 37% more expensive than in Charlotte (United States) | |||
| Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 140 CV 6 vel. (or equivalent), with no extras, new | $21,167 | $20,982 | 1% |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | $1.31 | $1.06 | 24% |
| monthly ticket public transport | $85 | $55 | 55% |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 Km. (5 miles) | $21 | $16.14 | 30% |
| Personal Care | 5% | ||
| Personal Care in Chicago (United States) is 5% more expensive than in Charlotte (United States) | |||
| medicine against cold for 6 days (Frenadol, Coldrex, ...) | $7.72 | $7.12 | 8% |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, ...) | $6.15 | $6.14 | 0% |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | $3.31 | $2.75 | 20% |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | $4.29 | $4.97 | 14% |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | $3.08 | $3.33 | 8% |
| Tube of toothpaste | $3.16 | $2.69 | 17% |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | $21 | $18.07 | 16% |
| Entertainment | 19% | ||
| Entertainment in Chicago (United States) is 19% more expensive than in Charlotte (United States) | |||
| basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | $38 | $36 | 6% |
| 2 tickets to the movies | $21 | $18.41 | 15% |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | $169 | $64 | 164% |
| dinner out for two in Italian restaurant with wine and dessert | $86 | $70 | 22% |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | $10.58 | $8.08 | 31% |
| Capuccino in expat area of the city | $4.05 | $4.63 | 12% |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub | $4.87 | $4 | 22% |
| iPod nano 8GB (6th generation) | $165 | $130 | 26% |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | $0.53 | $0.70 | 25% |
| 1 month of gym in business district | $68 | $42 | 63% |
| 1 package of Marlboro cigarretes | $8.69 | $4.89 | 78% |
| TOTAL | 12% | ||
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 3,943 prices entered by 421 different people.
These prices were last updated on May 16, 2012.
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Cost of living in Chicago (United States) is 12% more expensive than in Charlotte (United States)
For example, you would need at least $4,029
in Chicago
to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with
$3,600
in Charlotte.