Last update: Oct 2026

Cost of Living Comparison Between New York, NY and Streamwood, IL

For one person, living is cheaper in Streamwood, IL: $2,519 a month against $4,938 in New York, NY, rent and utilities included – about $29,000 less a year. Rent and utilities account for most of the difference.

New York, NY
🇺🇸 United States
$4,938
/mo nomad
Streamwood, IL
🇺🇸 United States
$2,519
/mo nomad
Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in New York, NY and in Streamwood, IL

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in New York, NY and in Streamwood, IL actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends $4,938 per month in New York, NY vs $2,519 in Streamwood, IL, rent included.

  • New York, NY $4,938
  • Streamwood, IL $2,519

A couple spends around $7,273 per month in New York, NY vs $3,740 in Streamwood, IL, rent included.

  • New York, NY $7,273
  • Streamwood, IL $3,740

A family of three spends $9,608 per month in New York, NY vs $4,961 in Streamwood, IL, rent included.

  • New York, NY $9,608
  • Streamwood, IL $4,961

New York, NY costs about 96% more than Streamwood, IL, and outside of rent the biggest gap is in groceries.

Both New York, NY and Streamwood, IL sit above the global median – New York, NY by 264%, Streamwood, IL by 86%.

Currency
🍽 Eating Out
New York, NY
Streamwood, IL
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$24.99 $24.99
$19.86 $19.86
25.83%
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$120 $120
$76.0 $76.0
58.33%
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$13.74 $13.74
$11.94 $11.94
15.08%
Cappuccino
$6.60 $6.60
$5.39 $5.39
22.45%
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.82 $3.82
$3.04 $3.04
25.66%
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.87 $2.87
$2.50 $2.50
14.80%
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.95 $7.95
$5.85 $5.85
35.90%
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$10.06 $10.06
$7.80 $7.80
28.97%
🛒 Groceries & Markets
New York, NY
Streamwood, IL
Difference
Milk (1 liter)
$1.37 $1.37
$0.93 $0.93
47.31%
White Bread (500g)
$4.75 $4.75
$3.49 $3.49
36.10%
Rice (white) (1kg)
$7.69 $7.69
$2.93 $2.93
162.46%
Eggs
$5.87 $5.87
$3.57 $3.57
64.43%
Local Cheese (1kg)
$19.25 $19.25
$10.14 $10.14
89.84%
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$17.83 $17.83
$11.30 $11.30
57.79%
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$19.03 $19.03
$14.36 $14.36
32.52%
Apples (1kg)
$6.69 $6.69
$4.78 $4.78
39.96%
Banana (1kg)
$2.29 $2.29
$1.67 $1.67
37.13%
Oranges (1kg)
$6.41 $6.41
$4.46 $4.46
43.72%
Tomato (1kg)
$6.75 $6.75
$4.81 $4.81
40.33%
Potato (1kg)
$3.93 $3.93
$2.75 $2.75
42.91%
Onion (1kg)
$4.52 $4.52
$3.09 $3.09
46.28%
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.79 $2.79
$1.54 $1.54
81.17%
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.51 $2.51
$1.49 $1.49
68.46%
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$18.10 $18.10
$10.86 $10.86
66.67%
Wine (Bottle)
$20.16 $20.16
$12.14 $12.14
66.06%
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.26 $3.26
$1.70 $1.70
91.76%
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.75 $3.75
$4.38 $4.38
-14.38%
🚌 Getting Around
New York, NY
Streamwood, IL
Difference
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.92 $2.92
$2.04 $2.04
43.14%
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$143 $143
$40.10 $40.10
255.66%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.06 $3.06
$4.08 $4.08
-25.00%
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.16 $2.16
$2.05 $2.05
5.37%
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$41.33 $41.33
$44.25 $44.25
-6.60%
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.12 $1.12
$1.09 $1.09
2.75%
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$33.1K $33.1K
$25.0K $25.0K
32.76%
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.7K $25.7K
$25.2K $25.2K
2.20%
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
New York, NY
Streamwood, IL
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$219 $219
$173 $173
26.73%
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$75.3 $75.3
$51.0 $51.0
47.85%
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$70.5 $70.5
$54.9 $54.9
28.41%
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
New York, NY
Streamwood, IL
Difference
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$116 $116
$41.70 $41.70
176.98%
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$67.6 $67.6
$8.19 $8.19
725.64%
Cinema Ticket
$21.37 $21.37
$15.23 $15.23
40.32%
🧸 Childcare & Education
New York, NY
Streamwood, IL
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$3,432 $3,432
$1,505 $1,505
128.00%
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$61.7K $61.7K
$23.3K $23.3K
164.74%
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
New York, NY
Streamwood, IL
Difference
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$74.9 $74.9
$56.8 $56.8
31.78%
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$52.1 $52.1
$45.21 $45.21
15.33%
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$117 $117
$98.2 $98.2
18.85%
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$135 $135
$102 $102
32.17%
🏠 Accommodation & Living
New York, NY
Streamwood, IL
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$4,347 $4,347
$1,616 $1,616
169.11%
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$3,117 $3,117
$1,287 $1,287
142.21%
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$9,110 $9,110
$2,495 $2,495
265.09%
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$5,379 $5,379
$2,185 $2,185
146.15%
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$19.3K $19.3K
$2,723 $2,723
608.12%
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$6,943 $6,943
$2,365 $2,365
193.52%
💵 Salaries & Financials
New York, NY
Streamwood, IL
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$5,238 $5,238
$7,119 $7,119
-26.43%
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.85
6.43
6.53%

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update for New York, NY: October 17, 2026

Last update for Streamwood, IL: October 20, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Accommodation & Living
New York, NY
$3.1K
Streamwood, IL
$1.3K 58.7% $1.8K
Groceries & Markets
New York, NY
$552
Streamwood, IL
$356 35.5% $196
Eating Out
New York, NY
$407
Streamwood, IL
$326 19.8% $80
Monthly Utilities & Internet
New York, NY
$365
Streamwood, IL
$279 23.6% $86
Clothing & Footwear
New York, NY
$170
Streamwood, IL
$136 20.2% $34
Getting Around
New York, NY
$168
Streamwood, IL
$63 62.8% $106
Sport & Entertainment
New York, NY
$158
Streamwood, IL
$72 54.4% $86

Cost Breakdown

A central one-bedroom costs $4,347 in New York, NY versus $1,616 in Streamwood, IL. Rent is usually the largest line item in a monthly budget, so the gap here sets the tone for the overall comparison.

Salaries run about 36% higher in Streamwood, IL, which reinforces the cost advantage – you earn more and spend less. Purchasing power leans clearly in its favor.

A mid-range dinner for two costs $120 in New York, NY versus $76.0 in Streamwood, IL. Monthly groceries follow the same trend: $552 vs $356 – making Streamwood, IL the more affordable choice for daily food spending.

Good to know
🇺🇸 New York, NY
🇺🇸 Streamwood, IL
🕒 Local time
23:19 11:19 PM
22:19 10:19 PM
1 h behind New York, NY
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
8,804,190
37,535
Exchange rates and currency converter

EUR to USD – United States Dollar Converter

United States Dollar exchange rates as of October 22, 2026: 1 EUR = 1.12 USD (1 USD = 0.89 EUR).

On the map
Between locations
  • New York, NY Streamwood, IL 1,180 km ≈ 2 h nonstop flight
From you
  • New York, NY
  • Streamwood, IL

Distances are measured in a straight line. Your location is detected approximately.

City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
New York, NY vs Streamwood, IL: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is more expensive, New York, NY or Streamwood, IL?
New York, NY costs about 96% more than Streamwood, IL, and outside of rent the gap comes mainly from groceries. That's enough to noticeably affect everyday spending and lifestyle for anyone choosing between the two.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in New York, NY and in Streamwood, IL?
For a comfortable life, plan on about $7,407 per month in New York, NY and $3,778 in Streamwood, IL. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.
Where is rent cheaper, New York, NY or Streamwood, IL?
Rent is clearly cheaper in Streamwood, IL, especially for central apartments. Housing is actually the single biggest factor behind the overall cost gap between these two cities.
How do childcare costs compare in New York, NY and in Streamwood, IL?
Kindergarten costs $3,432 per month in New York, NY and $1,505 in Streamwood, IL. For families with young kids, this one expense can tip the scales when choosing between the two cities.
Are groceries more expensive in New York, NY or in Streamwood, IL?
Groceries cost about 55% more in New York, NY, though it depends on what you buy. Local produce may be comparable; imported and premium items show the biggest price gap.
Can you live on $2,000/month in New York, NY or in Streamwood, IL?
$2,000 is a stretch for both – monthly costs hit $4,938 in New York, NY and $2,519 in Streamwood, IL. You'll need shared housing and careful budgeting no matter which city you pick.
Which city is better for digital nomads, New York, NY or Streamwood, IL?
For digital nomads, it depends on budget. Streamwood, IL costs $2,519 versus $4,938 in New York, NY. Both have workable remote work infrastructure, but the cost gap matters when income varies month to month.
Should I move to New York, NY or to Streamwood, IL?
If budget matters most, go with Streamwood, IL. If higher salaries, better infrastructure, or specific career opportunities are the priority, New York, NY makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.

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