2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Charlottesville, VA vs Galena, IL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Galena or is it cheaper to live in Charlottesville?
- Galena is 21.3% less expensive than Charlottesville.

Which city has more affordable housing, Galena or Charlottesville?
- Galena housing costs are 49.5% less expensive than Charlottesville housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Charlottesville or is Health Care more affordable in Galena.
- Health related expenses are 6.4% more in Galena.
 Charlottesville, VAGalena, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock82.8100
 Food & Groceries101.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock113.2100
 Housing136.9  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$248,300$338,100
 Utilities100  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock72.0100
 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 5 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 5 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 5 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 Galena    3 Reviews

We've lived in Galena for about ten years now; previously lived in Elgin, then Cary. Moving here was like heaven (with some trade offs) especially after living in  More

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Over 14 years ago

My city of Galena, IL has festivals, parades, and parties almost every weekend of the year. Our Halloween parade usually lasts around 2 hours and draws in over 10,000  More

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Galena offers art shows, antique shops, arts/crafts fairs, Civil War re-enactments, theater, concerts, and more. Every weekend, there's something cultural going on, much  More

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