2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Key West, FL vs Chicago, IL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or is it cheaper to live in Key West?
- Chicago is 28.7% less expensive than Key West.

Which city has more affordable housing, Chicago or Key West?
- Chicago housing costs are 61.3% less expensive than Key West housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Key West or is Health Care more affordable in Chicago.
- Health related expenses are 45.8% less in Chicago.
 Key West, FLChicago, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock105.7100
 Food & Groceries114.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock88.0100
 Housing257.9  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$284,100$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock138.5100
 Miscellaneous109.0  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Key West    7 Reviews

I was raised in Key West since 1980, these average cost prices for rent that you are seeing were not even accurate then, let alone now in 2021. The average cost of  More

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Over 10 years ago

Like the  More

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I have lived in Key West for the last seven years. During that time, I have observed very little change in the cost of living. I work for a national company that pays  More

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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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