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

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

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Boston or is it cheaper to live in Chicago?
- Boston is 42.7% more expensive than Chicago.

Which city has more affordable housing, Boston or Chicago?
- Boston housing costs are 129.2% more expensive than Chicago housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Chicago or is Health Care more affordable in Boston.
- Health related expenses are 1.9% more in Boston.
 Chicago, ILBoston, MAUnited States
 Overall105.7150.8100
 Food & Groceries97.2111.4100
 Health88.089.7100
 Housing99.8228.7100
 Median Home Cost$284,100$656,500$338,100
 Utilities9,280.0%11,680.0%10,000.0%
 Transportation138.5131.8100
 Miscellaneous139.8157.9100

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 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

Reviews for Boston    122 Reviews

Over 1 years ago

health care in the country, plenty of jobs, gorgeous architecture, cool neighborhoods, lots of great restaurants, and always something to do. The beautiful coast, the  More

   |    Reply

I've lived in/near Boston my whole life almost. It has many pros such as a big city feel, extremely safe, reliable train transportation, great food. However any pro  More

   |    Reply

I moved to MA from the country of Georgia in eastern Europe. Then traveled quite a bit in the U.S. Boston definitely has its own flavor. Suburbs offer okay schools,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Boston

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


ZIPS IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
60629, 60618, 60632, 60639, 60623, 60647, 60617, 60625, 60608, 60634, 56 total
ZIPS IN BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
02124, 02128, 02135, 02130, 02127, 02125, 02136, 02131, 02115, 02126, 30 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