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

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or is it cheaper to live in Vista?
- Chicago is 31.8% less expensive than Vista.

Which city has more affordable housing, Chicago or Vista?
- Chicago housing costs are 57.8% less expensive than Vista housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Vista or is Health Care more affordable in Chicago.
- Health related expenses are 1.1% less in Chicago.
 Vista, CAChicago, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock105.7100
 Food & Groceries108.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock88.0100
 Housing236.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$284,100$338,100
 Utilities102  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock138.5100
 Miscellaneous153.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Vista    21 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

I bought a house in Vista, CA, and lived there since 2013-2017. My kids and I loved that area (Shadow Ridge). People are friendly, down-to-earth, not snobby. I would  More

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I've lived here 3 years and it has an unbeatable climate. Close to everything you could want. A renovated downtown and access to mass transit. Very nice place, friendly  More

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Truly a hidden gem - I was nervous after first moving since it seemed far from San Diego, but my concerns have been fully alleviated in just a couple months of time in  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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