2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Buffalo, NY vs Waukegan, IL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Waukegan or is it cheaper to live in Buffalo?
- Waukegan is 5.3% more expensive than Buffalo.

Which city has more affordable housing, Waukegan or Buffalo?
- Waukegan housing costs are 7.6% less expensive than Buffalo housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Buffalo or is Health Care more affordable in Waukegan.
- Health related expenses are 8.5% less in Waukegan.
 Buffalo, NYWaukegan, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock97.0100
 Food & Groceries98.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock96.3100
 Housing62.8  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$181,800$338,100
 Utilities107  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock86.9100
 Miscellaneous130.0  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Buffalo    94 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

Clean, fun, safe and unique. Great place to raise a family. Affordable housing, strong job market. Great schools and neighborhoods.  More

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Over 3 years ago

Buffalo was okay in 2016. Since then, crime is up, there are more methadone clinics than pediatricians, and so many of the small businesses that made this place charming  More

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Over 3 years ago

This city is just plain beautiful. Sure, it might not be New York or Albany. But it's Buffalo. Place is a God-send. You want to see the Falls and the Bills? Come here.  More

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Reviews for Waukegan    3 Reviews

Great people, beautifully diverse. All live and work together to provide the best for all residents. Lake County College is completing a 40 million dollar building  More

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Over 12 years ago

We're looking for a moderate climate. Waukegan is on Lake Michigan and could have a dynamic vibrant downtown but it doesn't. Great master plan if somehow Waukegan can  More

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Over 17 years ago

I have been living in north east waukegan for 12 years and I am excited by the recent surge of growth in the downtown area. Thanks to the Genesee theater, there are  More

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