Chicago, IL vs Decatur, IL: Cost of Living Comparison
Decatur has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Decatur | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 98 | 60 | Decatur |
| Housing | 91 ($966) | 28 ($557) | Decatur |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 111 ($3.50) | Chicago |
| Food & groceries | 101 ($414) | 68 ($279) | Decatur |
| Utilities | 96 ($164) | 64 ($50) | Decatur |
| Healthcare | 96 ($118) | 64 ($36) | Decatur |
| Median annual wage | 107 ($51,960) | 107 ($51,960) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago, IL or Decatur, IL cheaper to live in?
Decatur, IL is cheaper overall by about 38 index points (Chicago, IL: 98, Decatur, IL: 60; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Chicago, IL vs Decatur, IL?
A single adult needs roughly $34,300/year in Chicago, IL and $21,000/year in Decatur, IL to cover basic living costs.