2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Salinas, CA vs Chicago, IL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or is it cheaper to live in Salinas?
- Chicago is 30.4% less expensive than Salinas.

Which city has more affordable housing, Chicago or Salinas?
- Chicago housing costs are 53.7% less expensive than Salinas housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Salinas or is Health Care more affordable in Chicago.
- Health related expenses are 38.8% less in Chicago.
 Salinas, CAChicago, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock105.7100
 Food & Groceries104.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock88.0100
 Housing215.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$284,100$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock138.5100
 Miscellaneous112.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Salinas    15 Reviews

Over 11 years ago

Sacred Heart School is a fine Catholic school in the heart of Salinas, Ca. Victoria Torcolini was principal of this PK-8 school from 2006-2009. Under her leadership, SHS  More

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Over 13 years ago

I Was born and raise in salinas. In 2006 my family moved to the central valley. I moved back to salinas in 2011. I moved back Because I got a better job in Carmel. I  More

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Salinas, California has some of the best weather in Central California. I love looking out at the mountain ranges that line the Salinas River Valley. It's a shame that  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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