2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Iowa City, IA vs Arlington Heights, IL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Arlington Heights or is it cheaper to live in Iowa City?
- Arlington Heights is 18.0% more expensive than Iowa City.

Which city has more affordable housing, Arlington Heights or Iowa City?
- Arlington Heights housing costs are 69.1% more expensive than Iowa City housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Iowa City or is Health Care more affordable in Arlington Heights.
- Health related expenses are 15.4% less in Arlington Heights.
 Iowa City, IAArlington Heights, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock105.7100
 Food & Groceries99.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock88.0100
 Housing78.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$363,900$338,100
 Utilities94  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock125.9100
 Miscellaneous117.6  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Iowa City    24 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

I was there 5 years. Nothing to do but we’ll go shopping... at Walmart. It lacks so many things. There is no experience here, it jumps on any political band wagon and  More

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Over 5 years ago

Entertainment lacks greatly - especially the Hancher shows. I was hoping after they rebuilt they would be getting better shows there, that didn't happen. One has to  More

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Over 7 years ago

Iowa City is great. It's diverse and never boring. There always a variety of new shops and restaurants to explore and try out. Also watching college kids do stupid  More

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Reviews for Arlington Heights    9 Reviews

Over 7 years ago

I’ve lived in this city my whole life and it is the absolute best. The people are so kind and always greet you with a smile. The education systems are very good and it  More

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Over 12 years ago

Downtown Arlington Heights has a lot going on, especially in the summer. There are good restaurants and other businesses, and the festivals/music are very good, too. A  More

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Over 14 years ago

After growing up in Deerfield, IL, there is no doubt in my mind that places like Deerfield and Arlington Heights have exceptional education for children. Education  More

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