2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Surprise, AZ vs Chicago, IL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or is it cheaper to live in Surprise?
- Chicago is 6.5% less expensive than Surprise.

Which city has more affordable housing, Chicago or Surprise?
- Chicago housing costs are 19.0% less expensive than Surprise housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Surprise or is Health Care more affordable in Chicago.
- Health related expenses are 4.9% less in Chicago.
 Surprise, AZChicago, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock105.7100
 Food & Groceries97.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock88.0100
 Housing123.2  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$284,100$338,100
 Utilities106  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock138.5100
 Miscellaneous105.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Surprise    52 Reviews

I have lived in Surprise, Az. For the past 21 years. One of the best cities to live in Az. From the police department to maintaining the streets & freeways. One thing I  More

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I am an Arizona native - 55 years - and have lived in Surprise since 2003. I wouldn't live anywhere else! I have watched this place grow and prosper. It is very family  More

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Over 11 years ago

The city of surprise is a beautiful place. It would not be a good place to live however. They have a young eager police force. You are taking a BIG risk driving  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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