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2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Iowa City, IA vs Chicago, IL

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

Which city has more affordable housing, Chicago or Iowa City?
- Chicago housing costs are 26.8% more expensive than Iowa City housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Iowa City or is Health Care more affordable in Chicago.
- Health related expenses are 15.4% less in Chicago.
 Iowa City, IAChicago, ILUnited States
 Overall89.6105.7100
 Food & Groceries99.797.2100
 Health104.088.0100
 Housing78.799.8100
 Median Home Cost$265,800$284,100$338,100
 Utilities9,390.0%9,280.0%10,000.0%
 Transportation68.5138.5100
 Miscellaneous117.6139.8100

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 4 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 4 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 6 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 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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ZIPS IN IOWA CITY, IOWA
52240 52245 52246 52242
ZIPS IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
60629, 60618, 60632, 60639, 60623, 60647, 60617, 60625, 60608, 60634, 56 total

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