Home / Select Cities  /  2024 Comparing Cambridge, MA vs. Chicago, IL

2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Cambridge, MA vs Chicago, IL

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or is it cheaper to live in Cambridge?
- Chicago is 27.0% less expensive than Cambridge.

Which city has more affordable housing, Chicago or Cambridge?
- Chicago housing costs are 68.9% less expensive than Cambridge housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Cambridge or is Health Care more affordable in Chicago.
- Health related expenses are 1.3% less in Chicago.
 Cambridge, MAChicago, ILUnited States
 Overall144.7105.7100
 Food & Groceries115.597.2100
 Health89.288.0100
 Housing321.499.8100
 Median Home Cost$914,400$284,100$338,100
 Utilities11,780.0%9,280.0%10,000.0%
 Transportation95.7138.5100
 Miscellaneous176.7139.8100

100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

View More Data >

Reviews for Cambridge    14 Reviews

Over 9 years ago

Cambridge is a great place to live. It is rather expensive, but has great access to Boston, schools and hospitals. There is a lot of construction underway that can be  More

   |    Reply

Need info on test results on tap or drinking water quality, 02139 Green St area.  More

   |    Reply

Home to both Harvard and MIT, Cambridge is the cornerstone of higher education. Residents are very intelligent and open to new ideas.   More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Cambridge

Reviews for Chicago    271 Reviews

I've lived in Chicago city and later moved to suburbs when family size increased. Absolutely love this city. This is the cleanest and most beautiful among the major  More

   |    Reply

Chicago is probably the best value in a major city that you can find and my personal favorite city. It will become increasingly important as climate change makes the  More

   |    Reply

I've live on north side and south side, UIC medical center. Don't move here go to the north side. No good amenities, if you get bored with one there is no other choices.  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Chicago

 Most Recent Searches On Compare Cities
COMPARE COST OF LIVING
Compare Cambridge, Massachusetts Cost of Living vs Chicago, Illinois Cost of Living: Taxes, Childcare, Groceries, Health...
Compare Now


ZIPS IN CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS
02138 02139 02140 02141 02142
ZIPS IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
60629, 60618, 60632, 60639, 60623, 60647, 60617, 60625, 60608, 60634, 56 total

PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.

Try Now