Chicago, Illinois vs. Santa Cruz, California

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Santa Cruz, California is 89.5% more expensive than Chicago, Illinois.

You would need a salary of $142,109 in Santa Cruz, California to maintain the standard of living you have in Chicago, Illinois.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Santa Cruz, California is more expensive than Chicago, Illinois
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
347% more expensive in Santa Cruz
than in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, IL vs. Santa Cruz, CA
Compared to Chicago, Santa Cruz is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  89.5% higher
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Renter
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Food
  14.7% higher
  Housing (Homeowner)
  297.0% higher
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  0.8% higher
  Commute
  20.2% lower
  Health
  24.1% higher
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  2.6% lower