Chicago, IL vs Santa Maria, CA
Cost of Living Comparison
Chicago, IL is more affordable by 5.2 index points
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Chicago, IL | Santa Maria, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 103.6 | 108.8 | -5.2 |
| Housing | 112.0 | 151.4 | -39.4 |
| Goods | 107.3 | 105.2 | +2.1 |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 149.8 | -66.2 |
| Other Services | 100.5 | 100.3 | +0.2 |
Income & Housing Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $85,087 | $92,332 |
| Median Home Value | $288,400 | $714,800 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,310 | $1,964 |
| Per Capita Income | $45,977 | $44,635 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago, IL or Santa Maria, CA cheaper to live in?
Chicago, IL is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 5.2 index points (Chicago, IL: 103.6, Santa Maria, CA: 108.8).
Where is housing cheaper, Chicago, IL or Santa Maria, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Chicago, IL. Housing index: Chicago, IL (112.0) vs Santa Maria, CA (151.4).