2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Chicago, IL vs Somerville, MA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Somerville or is it cheaper to live in Chicago?
- Somerville is 36.9% more expensive than Chicago.

Which city has more affordable housing, Somerville or Chicago?
- Somerville housing costs are 182.3% more expensive than Chicago housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Chicago or is Health Care more affordable in Somerville.
- Health related expenses are 1.4% more in Somerville.
 Chicago, ILSomerville, MAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock144.7100
 Food & Groceries97.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.2100
 Housing99.8  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$762,800$338,100
 Utilities93  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock106.7100
 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 Somerville    3 Reviews

I've lived in Somerville/Cambridge for 10 years, the last 4.5 with my husband in Spring Hill. It really is a great place to live if you are in your 20s & 30s: it is  More

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Living in Somerville is OK. I'm not a 'city' person and I would rather be out in the country some place, but it's not too bad here. I'm in my early 50s and own a house.  More

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Over 17 years ago

we are midwest transplants to the Boston area and lucked out by finding this great little neighborhood - right on the train line, little stores and good community - we  More

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