What would have the lowest cost of living and why? What are the pro and cons of each area? Chicago, IL(area)

Here's a cost of living calculator showing the cost of living in Chicago, IL: http://www.payscale.com/cost-of-living-calculator/Illinois-Chicago It shows that the overall cost of living there is 11% above the national average. It also shows that Chicago is 28% above the national average for the cost of housing. You can use this calculator to look up and compare the cost of living in other cities in Illinois. You can also find median salary data for your job title in different areas. That can give you a better idea of what your standard of living would actually be like in a given area. Hope that helps, Assistant to Dr. Salary

well, I can tell you that Lake County & Kenosha County have a heck of a lot lower sales tax than Chicago itself. Given that one suburb want to leave Cook County for Lake, it strikes me that most taxes (property, etc) will be lower. I moved out of Waukegan/Great Lakes area after college, so never paid rent there, but I believe that part of Lake County in particular has a lower cost of living. That's why so many immigrants move there, I think. As you move west of Waukegan/North Chicago/Great Lakes, property rates rise. Less public transit up north, if that's an issue. Otherwise, good & bad both