2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Paducah, KY vs Chicago, IL

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or is it cheaper to live in Paducah?
- Chicago is 37.3% more expensive than Paducah.

Which city has more affordable housing, Chicago or Paducah?
- Chicago housing costs are 120.8% more expensive than Paducah housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Paducah or is Health Care more affordable in Chicago.
- Health related expenses are 25.5% less in Chicago.
 Paducah, KYChicago, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock105.7100
 Food & Groceries92.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock88.0100
 Housing45.2  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$284,100$338,100
 Utilities95  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock138.5100
 Miscellaneous89.6  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Paducah    16 Reviews

Joel · 

I have visited it the 1st time and thought it was a rundown ghetto but the 2nd time I loved  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

The downtown area is fun and the murals on the floodwall provide an interesting history of the  More

   |    Reply

Over 11 years ago

Move here six years ago, and was very optimistic. I love meeting new people and adventure. Me my husband and two kids moved here from Louisville are. This place is like  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Paducah

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Chicago


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.