Chicago v. New York City (different stuff) (living, cost, state)

[morrowise]

I'm trying to budget what a total relocation will cost in monthly expenses. Rent I've got down. I've poured over the previous threads on this, and 'cost of living' is discussed a lot, but it's not broken down so I can understand things like cost of groceries and utilities. Those are our biggest expenses next to the rents, which have been well-discussed.

We eat almost exclusively food from the farmers' markets. Vegetables, organic whole milk, and pasture-fed or free-range eggs. I know both cities have farmers markets. Is there a major price difference on groceries, especially those types of products? I get a feel that NYC may be somewhat pricey by comparison.

Also, what about cable internet, cell phone, water, gas, electric? Cable internet is huge for us, since I work from home. Any surprises that I'm in for, or would you say it's comparable to other cities in Chicago and NYC?

Lastly, are there any special small business or self-employeed "fees" I can expect thrown at my wife and I in these cities? She's self-employed as a hair stylist (booth renter) and I work entirely on the internet, which means I do not do local business and don't even have to register in most states as a foreign entity - I'm incorporated in Delaware and that's it. But I've looked at Portland too, and they knock some fee-sense into you out there.

[grapico]

The difference in price of rent for NYC rent, particularly vs Chicago is so significant in itself that the other categories are pretty marginal in your decision. Though you could do the same rent "price" base in Chicago then go to NYC, you'd lose significant space in your place, and the reverse the other way around. For some though the additional price is worth it, others not.