2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Waukegan, IL vs Chicago, IL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or is it cheaper to live in Waukegan?
- Chicago is 9.0% more expensive than Waukegan.

Which city has more affordable housing, Chicago or Waukegan?
- Chicago housing costs are 72.1% more expensive than Waukegan housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Waukegan or is Health Care more affordable in Chicago.
- Health related expenses are 8.6% less in Chicago.
 Waukegan, ILChicago, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock105.7100
 Food & Groceries94.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock88.0100
 Housing58.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$284,100$338,100
 Utilities93  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock138.5100
 Miscellaneous141.0  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Waukegan    3 Reviews

Great people, beautifully diverse. All live and work together to provide the best for all residents. Lake County College is completing a 40 million dollar building  More

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Over 12 years ago

We're looking for a moderate climate. Waukegan is on Lake Michigan and could have a dynamic vibrant downtown but it doesn't. Great master plan if somehow Waukegan can  More

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Over 17 years ago

I have been living in north east waukegan for 12 years and I am excited by the recent surge of growth in the downtown area. Thanks to the Genesee theater, there are  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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