2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Montvale, NJ vs Chicago, IL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or is it cheaper to live in Montvale?
- Chicago is 25.0% less expensive than Montvale.

Which city has more affordable housing, Chicago or Montvale?
- Chicago housing costs are 54.6% less expensive than Montvale housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Montvale or is Health Care more affordable in Chicago.
- Health related expenses are 10.1% less in Chicago.
 Montvale, NJChicago, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock105.7100
 Food & Groceries108.8  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock88.0100
 Housing219.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$284,100$338,100
 Utilities109  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock138.5100
 Miscellaneous141.6  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Montvale    2 Reviews

Terrific location in northern NJ provides access to all kinds of entertainment, culture, experiences, etc. Great schools. Only problem is the cost of living in  More

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Over 17 years ago

As is the case in most of the New York City metropolitan area, the cost of living is so high as to be absurd. The high costs of housing, utilities, entertainment, and  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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