Cost Comparison 2025

ChicagovsCasablanca

United States
Morocco

Overall

💰

-48.8%

Chicago is 48.8%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-66.2%

Housing is 66.2% lower

Dining

🍽️

-52.5%

Restaurants 52.5% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-50.0%

Food shopping 50.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between Chicago, United States and Casablanca, Morocco reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Chicago is more affordable than Casablanca by approximately 48.8%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Chicago are higher than in Casablanca by 195%. A one-bedroom apartment in Chicago's city center costs around $2,200, while the same in Casablanca is approximately MAD 6,000.

Dining out in Chicago is notably more expensive compared to Casablanca. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $18 in Chicago versus MAD 50 in Casablanca.

Public transportation in Chicago is more affordable, with monthly passes at $105 compared to MAD 300 in Casablanca.

Purchasing power in Chicago is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Casablanca.

Grocery shopping in Chicago is more expensive by approximately 100%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Chicago can expect to spend approximately $638 per month (excluding rent), while in Casablanca, the same lifestyle would cost around MAD 2,364. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about $2,232 monthly in Chicago versus MAD 8,274 in Casablanca. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Chicago, United States
Casablanca, Morocco

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$2,200
MAD 6,000
1BR Outside Center
$1,600
MAD 3,500
3BR City Center
$4,000
MAD 12,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$18
MAD 50
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$90
MAD 250
Cappuccino
$5
MAD 25
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$6
MAD 35

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$1
MAD 8
Bread (500g)
$3
MAD 4
Eggs (12)
$4
MAD 15
Cheese (1kg)
$12
MAD 70

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$3
MAD 6
Monthly Pass
$105
MAD 300
Taxi Start
$4
MAD 10
Gasoline (1L)
$1
MAD 12

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$140
MAD 500
Internet (60 Mbps)
$60
MAD 300
Mobile Minute
$0
MAD 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Casablanca to Chicago, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Chicago to Casablanca requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Chicago

Cost of Living Index82
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index110

Casablanca

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index22
Purchasing Power Index40

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago more expensive than Casablanca?

No, Chicago is approximately 48.8% cheaper than Casablanca. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Chicago compared to Casablanca?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 67% of your Casablanca salary when living in Chicago. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Casablanca, you'd need about $33,607 in Chicago for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Chicago and Casablanca?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 195%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Chicago offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Chicago provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Chicago if you prioritize earning potential, or Casablanca for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Chicago vs Casablanca?

In Chicago, a single person needs approximately $2,238 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $5,032. In Casablanca, these figures are MAD 5,864 for singles and MAD 15,274 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Chicago and Casablanca in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Casablanca to maintain your lifestyle from Chicago

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers