2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Charlottesville, VA vs Chicago, IL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or is it cheaper to live in Charlottesville?
- Chicago is 0.5% more expensive than Charlottesville.

Which city has more affordable housing, Chicago or Charlottesville?
- Chicago housing costs are 27.1% less expensive than Charlottesville housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Charlottesville or is Health Care more affordable in Chicago.
- Health related expenses are 17.3% less in Chicago.
 Charlottesville, VAChicago, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock105.7100
 Food & Groceries101.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock88.0100
 Housing136.9  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$284,100$338,100
 Utilities100  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock138.5100
 Miscellaneous142.2  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Charlottesville    44 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

I have lived in Charlottesville, Albemarle County for 25 years. It USED to be a decent place but in the past 10 years has gone downhill. Rent is TOO high, landlords are  More

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Over 4 years ago

Loved here for 7 years, lots of parks and close proximity to Shenandoah, but that’s where the positives end. High cost of living with extreme income inequality,  More

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Over 4 years ago

Charlottesville resident for 7 years. Plenty of parks, the Rivanna River and trail, and a short drive to Shenandoah National Park means plenty of opportunities for  More

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Reviews for Chicago    270 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

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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

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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

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