2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Madison, WI vs North Chicago, IL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in North Chicago or is it cheaper to live in Madison?
- North Chicago is 6.2% less expensive than Madison.

Which city has more affordable housing, North Chicago or Madison?
- North Chicago housing costs are 57.4% less expensive than Madison housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Madison or is Health Care more affordable in North Chicago.
- Health related expenses are 3.7% more in North Chicago.
 Madison, WINorth Chicago, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock97.0100
 Food & Groceries97.9  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock96.3100
 Housing112.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$143,200$338,100
 Utilities108  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock72.4100
 Miscellaneous133.0  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Madison    78 Reviews

Unfortunately, a number of these reviews are politically based. Madison remains the only shining star in Wisconsin’s economy. The economy is broadly based, with  More

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Have been living in Madison for almost 3 years. It’s very safe, ppl generally friendly and for a town of its size it has fair number of good restaurants and interesting  More

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Lacks balance and zero accountability.   More

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Reviews for North Chicago    3 Reviews

Over 8 years ago

The crime stats for North Chicago show that crime reporting is a total sham. Surrounding areas like Waukegan are actually wonderful and safe compared to North Chicago.  More

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Over 14 years ago

Well,I am Active Duty NAvy who is looking to switch to Reserve and I am looking for a place with low C.O.L. so I can focus on my job and sace money, NOrth Chicago is a  More

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I grew up on Lake Shore Drive. It was wonderful to just hop on the 152 bus and go to downtown Chicago where you can do almost anything...the theatres, the shopping, the  More

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