The Chicago guide
What location costs, block by block
The real cost of living across Chicago's 85 community areas and 15 surrounding suburbs: walk and transit scores, CTA and Metra access, and how many cars each place quietly requires.
85
community areas
15
suburbs
15
areas where car-free works
The map of what location costs
Every dot is a community area at its real coordinates, colored by how many cars a household there typically needs, the single biggest cost difference between addresses. Hover any dot for its scores.
Best transit access, fewest cars needed
Transit Score® shown. 70+ means car-free living is realistic.
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All 85 community areas
Walk Score® shown beside each name
The 15 suburbs, honestly priced
Lower rent, but count the cars and the Metra ride. Commute times are to the Loop, station to station.
Aurora
BNSF
Berwyn
BNSF
Cicero
Blue Line (CTA)
Downers Grove
BNSF
Elgin
Union Pacific Northwest
Evanston
Union Pacific North
Joliet
Heritage Corridor
Naperville
BNSF
Oak Park
Union Pacific West
Orland Park
SouthWest Service
Schaumburg
Union Pacific Northwest
Skokie
Yellow Line (CTA)
Waukegan
Union Pacific North
Wheaton
Union Pacific West
Wilmette
Union Pacific North
Comparing two specific addresses?
The calculator pulls live scores, commute times, and tax rates for any U.S. address.