Chicago, IL vs Santa Cruz, CA
Cost of Living Comparison
Chicago, IL is more affordable by 6.3 index points
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Chicago, IL | Santa Cruz, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 103.6 | 109.9 | -6.3 |
| Housing | 112.0 | 164.3 | -52.3 |
| Goods | 107.3 | 105.2 | +2.1 |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 152.7 | -69.1 |
| Other Services | 100.5 | 100.3 | +0.2 |
Income & Housing Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $85,087 | $104,409 |
| Median Home Value | $288,400 | $951,300 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,310 | $2,094 |
| Per Capita Income | $45,977 | $52,887 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago, IL or Santa Cruz, CA cheaper to live in?
Chicago, IL is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 6.3 index points (Chicago, IL: 103.6, Santa Cruz, CA: 109.9).
Where is housing cheaper, Chicago, IL or Santa Cruz, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Chicago, IL. Housing index: Chicago, IL (112.0) vs Santa Cruz, CA (164.3).