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2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Chicago, IL vs Santa Maria, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Santa Maria or is it cheaper to live in Chicago?
- Santa Maria is 46.4% more expensive than Chicago.

Which city has more affordable housing, Santa Maria or Chicago?
- Santa Maria housing costs are 68.5% more expensive than Chicago housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Chicago or is Health Care more affordable in Santa Maria.
- Health related expenses are 28.6% more in Santa Maria.
 Chicago, ILSanta Maria, CAUnited States
 Overall105.7154.7100
 Food & Groceries97.2102.6100
 Health88.0113.2100
 Housing99.8168.2100
 Median Home Cost$284,100$565,100$338,100
 Utilities9,280.0%9,190.0%10,000.0%
 Transportation138.595.2100
 Miscellaneous139.8142.5100

100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Chicago    271 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 Santa Maria    12 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

I live in Orcutt which is a town of around 35,000 on the south side of Santa Maria. Santa Maria has, as everyone has noted, the best climate in the world. It never  More

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I have lived in Santa Maria / Orcutt for several years, but it is time to leave. I have no issues with the weather. Our climate is mild and comfortable with no extremes.  More

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The weather is very mild without a huge temperature change with the seasons. The winters are chilly but not cold and the summers are warm but not hot. Of course there  More

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ZIPS IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
60629, 60618, 60632, 60639, 60623, 60647, 60617, 60625, 60608, 60634, 56 total
ZIPS IN SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
93458 93454

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