Chicago ranks among top vegan-friendly cities

Chicago has been ranked among the 15 best U.S. cities for vegans and vegetarians in a new WalletHub study released Sept. 22.

The report evaluated the 100 largest cities in the country using 17 measures related to vegan- and vegetarian-friendly living. Factors included the share of restaurants offering meatless options, grocery costs for vegetarian consumers, and the number of salad shops per capita.

WalletHub said the ranking was designed to identify cities where plant-based diets are relatively accessible and affordable. The report was released ahead of World Vegetarian Day on Oct. 1 and World Vegan Day on Nov. 1.

Diana Polk, WalletHub communications manager, said businesses are increasingly responding to the influence of vegan and vegetarian consumers.

“While vegetarians and vegans are still a relatively small share of the population, businesses are recognizing their impact on their market. Just look at businesses like McDonald’s and Burger King incorporating Beyond Meat and Impossible burgers into their menus, for example. With meat prices rising significantly faster than vegetable prices, too, we may see a lot more people taking a foray into a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle in the near future,” Polk said.

Portland, Oregon, took the top spot in the 2026 ranking. WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said Portland residents consume vegan and vegetarian food at a rate 148% above the national average.

“Portland is the best city for vegans and vegetarians in 2026, and its residents eat this type of food 148% more often than the U.S. average. In addition, the city also has the fourth-highest number of affordable restaurants with vegan and vegetarian options that have at least 4.5 stars on Yelp.

Portland also has the ninth-most farmers markets, second-most organic farms, fourth-most community gardens and fourth-most vegetable nurseries and gardening shops per capita,” Lupo said.

Chicago’s placement in the top 15 reflects the city’s broad restaurant scene and the availability of plant-based options across multiple neighborhoods. The WalletHub report is part of the company’s wider analysis of health, lifestyle and affordability trends in major U.S. cities.

Previous WalletHub studies have examined topics including the healthiest and unhealthiest cities in the country as well as areas with the highest rates of overweight and obesity.