2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Chicago, IL vs Van Buren, AR

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Van Buren or is it cheaper to live in Chicago?
- Van Buren is 27.5% less expensive than Chicago.

Which city has more affordable housing, Van Buren or Chicago?
- Van Buren housing costs are 56.1% less expensive than Chicago housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Chicago or is Health Care more affordable in Van Buren.
- Health related expenses are 5.5% more in Van Buren.
 Chicago, ILVan Buren, ARUnited States
 Overall  Unlock76.6100
 Food & Groceries97.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock92.8100
 Housing99.8  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$173,400$338,100
 Utilities93  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock80.0100
 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 Van Buren    2 Reviews

We moved to Arkansas (and to Van Buren) 4 years ago from the metro Houston, Texas area. We were sick of the traffic and crime that comes with living in a large city.   More

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Over 19 years ago

I don't like Arkansas. It's pretty, but the pay sucks. Taxes are very high, and so are  More

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