2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Chicago, IL vs Indianapolis, IN

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Indianapolis or is it cheaper to live in Chicago?
- Indianapolis is 18.9% less expensive than Chicago.

Which city has more affordable housing, Indianapolis or Chicago?
- Indianapolis housing costs are 37.2% less expensive than Chicago housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Chicago or is Health Care more affordable in Indianapolis.
- Health related expenses are 14.0% more in Indianapolis.
 Chicago, ILIndianapolis, INUnited States
 Overall  Unlock85.7100
 Food & Groceries97.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock100.3100
 Housing99.8  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$221,900$338,100
 Utilities93  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock90.8100
 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 Indianapolis    154 Reviews

I lived in Indianapolis for over 23 years, and I really miss the laidback: easy lifestyle there. The prices of most items are lower than elsewhere in the US, including  More

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No car? This city is built for cars. Not friendly to pedestrians; the lack of sidewalks is confounding. Public transportation is limited, with a "spoke wheel" layout  More

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Over 4 years ago

This is a response to another review, but everything I say here is true and I have been a lifelong Indy resident and feel this needs said. The only factual part is  More

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