Chicago, IL vs DeKalb, IL: Cost of Living Comparison
DeKalb has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Chicago | DeKalb | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 98 | 75 | DeKalb |
| Housing | 91 ($966) | 58 ($721) | DeKalb |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 114 ($3.50) | Chicago |
| Food & groceries | 101 ($414) | 62 ($254) | DeKalb |
| Utilities | 96 ($164) | 79 ($104) | DeKalb |
| Healthcare | 96 ($118) | 79 ($75) | DeKalb |
| 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 DeKalb, IL cheaper to live in?
DeKalb, IL is cheaper overall by about 23 index points (Chicago, IL: 98, DeKalb, IL: 75; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Chicago, IL vs DeKalb, IL?
A single adult needs roughly $34,300/year in Chicago, IL and $26,250/year in DeKalb, IL to cover basic living costs.