2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Bowling Green, KY vs Chicago, IL

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or is it cheaper to live in Bowling Green?
- Chicago is 23.8% more expensive than Bowling Green.

Which city has more affordable housing, Chicago or Bowling Green?
- Chicago housing costs are 52.1% more expensive than Bowling Green housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Bowling Green or is Health Care more affordable in Chicago.
- Health related expenses are 23.8% less in Chicago.
 Bowling Green, KYChicago, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock105.7100
 Food & Groceries97.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock88.0100
 Housing65.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$284,100$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock138.5100
 Miscellaneous90.1  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Bowling Green    7 Reviews

I have lived in Bowling Green 12 years, prior to that I lived in the Terre Haute IN area. Compared to Terre Haute, my husband and I much prefer BG. The winters are much  More

   |    Reply

Over 7 years ago

I was born in BG 62 yrs ago. I left at 17 and returned in 2015. Compared to Texas & the west, BG is the worst. If you like sunshine (I do), it is horrible in BG.  More

   |    Reply

I have lived in Bowling Green for almost seven years now. I'm originally from the Oklahoma City/Moore OK area. My husband and I moved here for his job. Honestly,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Bowling Green

Reviews for Chicago    270 Reviews

I've lived in Chicago city and later moved to suburbs when family size increased. Absolutely love this city. This is the cleanest and most beautiful among the major  More

   |    Reply

Chicago is probably the best value in a major city that you can find and my personal favorite city. It will become increasingly important as climate change makes the  More

   |    Reply

I've live on north side and south side, UIC medical center. Don't move here go to the north side. No good amenities, if you get bored with one there is no other choices.  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Chicago


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.