Chicago vs. Yogyakarta: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

This report provides a detailed comparison of Chicago, USA, and Yogyakarta, Indonesia, focusing on cost of living and quality of life metrics for 2026. The analysis covers key factors including overall cost of living, purchasing power, housing, transportation, healthcare, safety, climate, and economic indicators to help inform relocation or investment decisions.

The overall cost of living in Chicago (relative to New York) is approximately 66.5, while in Yogyakarta it is significantly lower at 23.99. This substantial difference is largely driven by lower prices for goods, services, and housing in Yogyakarta. Basic food items, transportation, and utilities are considerably more affordable in Indonesia. For example, a mid-range meal for two people costs about $12.55 in Chicago versus $3.94 in Yogyakarta, and a monthly public transportation pass is $126 in Chicago compared to $9.26 in Yogyakarta.

Housing represents one of the most significant cost differences between the two cities. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Chicago averages $1,900 per month, while the same accommodation in Yogyakarta costs just $227. Similarly, a 3-bedroom apartment in Chicago costs approximately $3,000, compared to $552 in Yogyakarta. The property price to income ratio further highlights this disparity, with Chicago at 0.79 and Yogyakarta at 19.99, indicating that housing is significantly more affordable relative to income in Chicago.

Despite lower average monthly net salaries ($7,600 in Chicago versus $430 in Yogyakarta), residents of Yogyakarta enjoy higher purchasing power due to the substantially lower cost of living. The purchasing power index for Yogyakarta is 29.3 compared to 61.78 for Chicago, meaning that the same nominal income will purchase more goods and services in Yogyakarta. This higher purchasing power can translate to a better standard of living for those earning the local average salary.

Healthcare quality is comparable between the two cities, with both scoring 77.73 on the healthcare index. However, the quality of healthcare services and infrastructure may differ significantly in practice, with Chicago likely having more advanced medical facilities and technology.

Safety is another area where the cities differ markedly. Chicago's safety index is 81.78, significantly higher than Yogyakarta's 61.78. This suggests that Chicago generally offers a safer living environment, particularly in terms of personal security and crime rates.

Climate considerations show similar indices for both cities at 66.55, but the actual climate experiences differ substantially. Chicago has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers, while Yogyakarta enjoys a tropical climate year-round.

Chicago demonstrates substantially higher economic prosperity with a GDP per capita of $76,000 compared to Yogyakarta's $13,900. This economic disparity reflects the significant differences in infrastructure, business opportunities, and overall economic development between the two locations.

This comparison reveals significant differences in cost of living and quality of life factors between Chicago and Yogyakarta. While Yogyakarta offers substantially lower costs for housing, transportation, and daily goods, Chicago provides higher purchasing power, better safety, and greater economic opportunities. Decision-makers should carefully weigh these factors against their personal priorities, financial situation, and long-term goals when considering relocation or investment between these two distinct urban environments.