2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Chicago, IL vs Cedar Rapids, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Cedar Rapids or is it cheaper to live in Chicago?
- Cedar Rapids is 22.6% less expensive than Chicago.

Which city has more affordable housing, Cedar Rapids or Chicago?
- Cedar Rapids housing costs are 43.6% less expensive than Chicago housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Chicago or is Health Care more affordable in Cedar Rapids.
- Health related expenses are 16.3% more in Cedar Rapids.
 Chicago, ILCedar Rapids, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock81.8100
 Food & Groceries97.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.3100
 Housing99.8  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$184,900$338,100
 Utilities93  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock68.8100
 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 Cedar Rapids    39 Reviews

My biggest gripe is the winter weather and more specifically the wind. The wind does not stop blowing the entire winter. It starts around November when NW winds start  More

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Over 4 years ago

Such a horrible place. The racism is too much. You cant even take a walk to the park without hearing a racial insult thrown at you. You cant even go to the store  More

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I grew up here, moved away, came back to raise my family and have been back since 1993. I love this city!!! There is SOOO much to do. There are 3-4 community theatre  More

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