2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Chicago, IL vs Bellingham, WA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Bellingham or is it cheaper to live in Chicago?
- Bellingham is 11.2% more expensive than Chicago.

Which city has more affordable housing, Bellingham or Chicago?
- Bellingham housing costs are 92.1% more expensive than Chicago housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Chicago or is Health Care more affordable in Bellingham.
- Health related expenses are 10.5% more in Bellingham.
 Chicago, ILBellingham, WAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock117.5100
 Food & Groceries97.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock97.2100
 Housing99.8  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$606,400$338,100
 Utilities93  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock82.0100
 Miscellaneous139.8  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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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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Reviews for Bellingham    58 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

I've lived in so many cities in 5 west coast states and have come to a conclusion that Bellingham is the greatest city to live, work, play and raise a family. After  More

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Over 4 years ago

From what I’ve seen and heard, the very liberal political/ethical beliefs of Bellingham residents, as well as the grey rainy weather, are the main things a few people  More

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If you’re like many Americans and caught up in right vs left you won’t like the far left here in Bellingham wa. If you put politics away and you enjoy skiing,  More

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