Chicago, IL vs Evanston, IL: Cost of Living Comparison
Chicago has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Evanston | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 98 | 124 | Chicago |
| Housing | 91 ($966) | 136 ($1,189) | Chicago |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Evanston |
| Food & groceries | 101 ($414) | 128 ($525) | Chicago |
| Utilities | 96 ($164) | 118 ($245) | Chicago |
| Healthcare | 96 ($118) | 118 ($177) | Chicago |
| 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 Evanston, IL cheaper to live in?
Chicago, IL is cheaper overall by about 26 index points (Chicago, IL: 98, Evanston, IL: 124; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Chicago, IL vs Evanston, IL?
A single adult needs roughly $34,300/year in Chicago, IL and $43,400/year in Evanston, IL to cover basic living costs.