2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Chicago, IL vs Monterey Park, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Monterey Park or is it cheaper to live in Chicago?
- Monterey Park is 53.0% more expensive than Chicago.

Which city has more affordable housing, Monterey Park or Chicago?
- Monterey Park housing costs are 160.0% more expensive than Chicago housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Chicago or is Health Care more affordable in Monterey Park.
- Health related expenses are 1.5% less in Monterey Park.
 Chicago, ILMonterey Park, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock161.7100
 Food & Groceries97.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock86.7100
 Housing99.8  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$864,800$338,100
 Utilities93  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock159.6100
 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 Monterey Park    2 Reviews

Over 8 years ago

I have lived and raised three children in Monterey Park since 1997. I chose to live here because it is a small and quiet town within range of busy LA. The city has a low  More

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Over 18 years ago

Monterey park is not a bad place to live especially if you are Asian, I'm not...but It's a safe area to live in, in L.A. only 8 minutes to downtown very close to  More

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