Chicago, IL vs Waukesha, WI: Cost of Living Comparison
Chicago has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Waukesha | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 98 | 116 | Chicago |
| Housing | 91 ($966) | 108 ($817) | Chicago |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 96 ($3.50) | Waukesha |
| Food & groceries | 101 ($414) | 169 ($693) | Chicago |
| Utilities | 96 ($164) | 104 ($194) | Chicago |
| Healthcare | 96 ($118) | 104 ($140) | Chicago |
| Median annual wage | 107 ($51,960) | 104 ($50,270) | Waukesha |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago, IL or Waukesha, WI cheaper to live in?
Chicago, IL is cheaper overall by about 18 index points (Chicago, IL: 98, Waukesha, WI: 116; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Chicago, IL vs Waukesha, WI?
A single adult needs roughly $34,300/year in Chicago, IL and $40,600/year in Waukesha, WI to cover basic living costs.