Curated comparisons

Real-life cost scenarios

Each scenario pairs a walkable, transit-rich option against a car-dependent one, with itemized monthly costs. Open any of them, edit the numbers to match your situation, and watch the annual total update.

Wicker Park vs. Naperville

A two-bedroom for a working couple, one commuting to the Loop

Wicker Park (Chicago) (Walkable / car-free)vs.Naperville (Suburb) (Car-dependent)

$15,900/yr

saved by Wicker Park (Chicago)

The Loop vs. Schaumburg

A single professional working downtown

The Loop (Chicago) (Walkable / car-free)vs.Schaumburg (Suburb) (Car-dependent)

$15,900/yr

saved by The Loop (Chicago)

Oak Park vs. Aurora

A family comparing two near-vs-far western suburbs

Oak Park (Transit-rich suburb)vs.Aurora (Car-dependent suburb)

$3,240/yr

saved by Oak Park

Figures are representative Chicago starting points (2025 to 2026). Every line is editable on the scenario page. See the methodology for how defaults like the per-car cost are derived.