2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Boston, MA vs Oak Park, IL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Oak Park or is it cheaper to live in Boston?
- Oak Park is 29.9% less expensive than Boston.

Which city has more affordable housing, Oak Park or Boston?
- Oak Park housing costs are 36.4% less expensive than Boston housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Boston or is Health Care more affordable in Oak Park.
- Health related expenses are 1.9% less in Oak Park.
 Boston, MAOak Park, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock105.7100
 Food & Groceries111.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock88.0100
 Housing228.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$405,000$338,100
 Utilities117  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock136.4100
 Miscellaneous157.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Boston    122 Reviews

Over 3 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

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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

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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

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Reviews for Oak Park    7 Reviews

We've lived in Oak Park for 25 years, raising our two children here. Now, looking ahead a few years, the Cost of Living (127), is a major factor in searching for  More

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I have grew up in the Oak Park area and have lived in other cities in the country. Oak Park is located outside of the city of Chicago. Though located reasonably  More

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Over 16 years ago

If you don't know any better you might think Oak Park is perfect. However, if you are like me and have other places as a comparison, you know better. I will say that  More

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