Chicago is enormous, both in terms of size and history. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is among the largest cities in the United States. The metropolitan is renowned for its bold architecture, colorful neighborhoods, and truly fantastic food, but how does it compare to other cities as a place to live in?
| Population | Median Age | Bachelor Degree or Higher |
|---|---|---|
| 2,709,534 | 34.6 | 39.50% |
Table of Contents
Pro: Chicago has a reliable transport system
Chicago train in the sunset
In addition to being a very walkable city, Chicago also has an excellent transport system with plenty of options for its residents:
- Take the L: The CTA offers a reliable system of elevated trains and buses simply known as the “L”. Buses are typically $2.25 per ride, while trains are $2.50. To have an even more convenient experience, you’ll want to get a Ventra card. To travel with this card, all you have to do is tap it on the turnstile entrance and the fare is automatically deducted from your account.
- Opt to bike: Biking around Chicago offers plenty of flexibility. Biking is such a popular way to get around the city that a bike-sharing company, Divvy, launched several rental stations throughout the city.
- Choose the pedway: The downtown pedestrian walkway, or the Pedway, as it is more popularly known, is a system of overhead bridges and underground tunnels that links more than 40 blocks in the Chicago Central Business District. It’s a quick and safe way to get around downtown and is used by commuters daily.
- Take a cab: There’s always a cab around the corner in Chicago, and many of them accept debit and credit cards. An alternative to taking a cab is to book a Lyft or Uber ride from your smartphone.
- Walk the lakefront: When the weather warms up, opt to walk the lakefront to get to spots on the East side of the metropolitan area. The Lakefront has multiple exit points, so you can easily make your way to our office in River North from your Gold Coast apartment on foot.
Con: High cost of living
Most big cities have a high cost of living, and Chicago is no different. Chicago is one of the few cities where even the groceries are taxed (the rates are set at 2.25%). You’ll also have to contend with a 0.25% restaurant tax that you’re expected to pay if you buy something ready-made to eat. There is a combined 10.25% sales tax when considering the local and state tax collections on sales. The property taxes in Chicago are the second-highest in the country. It’s essential to keep in mind all these tax implications before you make a move to Chicago.
Chicago Median Home Price in October 2021
| Median Home Price |
|---|
| $300,430 |
Chicago Average Cost of Utilites in October 2021
| Utilities (Monthly) | Prices |
|---|---|
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment | $158.27 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $57.02 |
Chicago Average Cost of Transportation in October 2021
| Transportation | Prices |
|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.50 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | $105.00 |
| Gasoline (1 gallon) | $3.21 |
Chicago Average Cost of Groceries in October 2021
| Groceries | Prices |
|---|---|
| Milk (regular), (1 gallon) | $3.00 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) | $2.55 |
| Rice (white), (1 lb) | $1.74 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | $2.26 |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | $4.91 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 lb) | $4.29 |
| Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | $5.46 |
| Banana (1 lb) | $0.72 |
| Tomato (1 lb) | $1.76 |
| Potato (1 lb) | $1.16 |
| Onion (1 lb) | $1.00 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | $1.73 |
| Water (1.5-liter bottle) | $1.94 |
Pro: World-class sports culture
The Chicago Bulls play the Miami Heat in the United Center.
Chicago adores its sports teams. Whether team you support, engaging in the vibrant sports culture is a fun and competitive way to spend time with family and friends. Some of the biggest teams with ties to the city include:
- Chicago Blackhawks: This ice hockey team has dominated the Chicago sports scene for decades, winning three Stanley Cups in recent years.
- Chicago Bears: Are you a fan of American football? Immerse yourself in the passionate fandom of this football team at Soldier Field, especially when rivals such as Green Bay Packers are in town.
- Chicago Bulls: The golden era of NBA greats like Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, and Scottie Pippen (who all played for the team) may be a thing of the past, but the Chicago Bulls is still a formidable team to watch.
- Chicago Cubs vs. Chicago White Sox: You’ll quickly learn that Chicago residents are either south side Sox fans or north side Cubs fans, so pick your team wisely!
Con: The weather can be brutal
The frozen Chicago river 2
Chicago is known as the “Windy City” for a reason. The breeze is anything but pleasant. It can be downright brutal at times, depending on how the pressure systems move over the city, especially with the proximity of Lake Michigan.
You will also have to adjust to the typical Midwestern seasons when living in the city, which means the winters are cold and snowy, and the summers are hot and humid. It’s not uncommon to have the temperature below zero with windchill ratings in the negatives during December and January.
You will need several layers of warm clothing and waterproof boots. Sidewalks and roads get icy and slick during the winters, so you’ll want to be extra careful. If you have a car, keep a snow brush, jumper cables, gloves, water, and other provisions on hand at all times during the winter.
When the summer comes, the temperature can reach highs of 100 Fahrenheit.
Chicago Temperature Table
Best months to visit Chicago: April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
| Month | Temp. Low. Avg. | Temp. High Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37℉ | 48℉ |
| Feb | 41℉ | 50℉ |
| Marc | 43℉ | 55℉ |
| Apr | 46℉ | 61℉ |
| May | 52℉ | 68℉ |
| Jun | 57℉ | 73℉ |
| Jul | 61℉ | 79℉ |
| Aug | 61℉ | 81℉ |
| Sep | 57℉ | 72℉ |
| Oct | 50℉ | 63℉ |
| Nov | 43℉ | 54℉ |
| Dec | 37℉ | 46℉ |
Pro: The food is diverse
(Source: @kayp via Twenty20)
One of the first things you must try if you opt to make a move to Chicago is the city’s world-famous hot dog. With all the unique toppings and flavors with an all-beef frank, the Chicago hot dog is truly an unforgettable experience. Then all other Chicago-style food offerings are just as mouth-watering, such as the famous deep-dish pizza, Jibarito, Italian beef, butter-crust pizza, gyros, Chicago-style popcorn, and basic food fried chicken. Besides the numerous food options, Chicago has long been on the culinary scene regarding its wealth of celebrity chefs, with notable individuals such as Rick Bayless, Stephanie Izard, Grant Achatz, Beverly Kim, and Paul Kahan ties to the city.
Con: Traffic and congestion in the city
(Source: @cmlinks17 via Twnety20)
| Median Chicago Commuting Time | Median U.S. Commuting Time |
|---|---|
| 35.1 Minutes | 26.9 Minutes |
The Chicago traffic is a nightmare for daily commuters with exhaustingly long rush hours (6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m). This could be attributed to the fact that the city only has seven mainline and four auxiliary highways. Driving through the Kennedy or the Dan Ryan at rush hour can leave you stuck in standstill traffic for hours. It’s always wise to plan for an extra hour (or two) when going to a specific destination in the city because it can take quite a bit of time to navigate the side streets when the highways are packed. Studies have shown that drivers in Chicago lose around 138 hours of productive time because of congestion, which places the city third if heavy traffic.
Pro: Renting and buying a home in the city is easier than you think
Whether you’re planning to buy a house or move into a temporary apartment, there’s something for you in Chicago. Compared to the West Coast and East Coast, the housing market in Chicago is one of the best bargains in North America. According to Zillow, the home values in Chicago have been steadily increasing. In 2018, the median home value in Chicago stood at $285,579. The current median home price is $330,350.
When it comes to renting, the median price for an apartment listing is $1,635. While the rental rates have generally gone down throughout the U.S, the median rental cost stands at just $166 above the national average.
Con: Crime is a serious concern
Chicago’s history has been marked by crime, with infamous criminals like John Dillinger, Al Capone, and Baby Face Nelson all hailing from the ci. You can even come across markers to these men in certain areas city. Although crime rates in Windy City have significantly decreased over the past couple of years, they are still higher than the national average.
According to the official reports released by the Chicago Police Department, more than 550 murders took place in 2018, and there are over 60 street gangs in the city with thousands of active members.
Pro: Chicago has well-defined neighborhoods
The city’s backbone is in its 77 well-defined neighborhoods distributed across nine districts – each offering its unique mix of culture, attractions, personality, and history. If you don’t mind your neighborhood becoming part of your identity, Chicago is the place to be.
- South: The South Side features an impressive array of cultural and social offerings. From the Museum Campus situated in South Loop to the monuments in Bronzeville to the authentic cuisine of Chinatown, diversity in this part of the city runs deep.
- North: The Northern neighborhoods of Chicago are vibrant and full of life. You can go boutique shopping in Lincoln Park, catch a Cubs game in Wrigleyville, or enjoy jazz music in Uptown.
- The Loop: This is a vibrant area featuring a wide variety of shops, eateries, theaters, and parks. The Loop is also home to attractions such as the Buckingham Fountain, The “Bean” at Millennium Park, and the Historic Theatre District, to mention a few.
(Source: @maginnis via Twnety20)
- West: The West Side is the place to be for anyone looking for a more eclectic vibe. The West Loop area is considered to be Chicago’s top culinary destination thanks to the Fulton Market and Randolph Street. You can also explore the intriguing monuments, murals, and churches of Wicker Park.
Con: Parking in the city is a pain
(Source: @brockw20 via Twnety20)
Parking in Chicago is a nightmare. If you happen to own a car and your home doesn’t have a designated parking spot, be prepared to contend with no parking signs, tow zones, and almost impossible parallel parking missions. Parking in the metropolitan area is expensive (it’s not uncommon to pay upwards of $30 per hour), plus you may find that a parking permit is necessary depending on where you live. During the winter, Chicago residents heavily rely on on-street parking in areas where driveway space is scarce.
Pro: Plenty of recreational activities in chicago
Nominated Navy Pier
Chicago has so much to offer in recreational activities, whether you’re exploring on your own, with family, or with friends. Here are just a few of the things to do as a resident in the city:
- Visit the Navy Pier: This is a 3,300-foot long pier that offers a 150-foot long Ferris wheel, a 50-acre playground, and a stunning view of Chicago right on the shoreline of Lake Michigan.
- Check out Wicker Park: For a shopping trip, head out to Wicker Park where you’ll find multiple thrift stores and independent labels. Keep an eye out for Akira, one of the city’s trendiest and cheapest local brands.
- Try playing whirlyball: One of the fun things to try out while you’re in Chicago is a game of whirlyball. The game is best described as a combination of basketball and lacrosse with a twist (there are bumper cars involved!)
- Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo: This is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, and it is also one of the remaining free admission zoos.
Final thoughts
Chicago is a unique city that manages the seemingly impossible feat of offering a small-town feel while still providing all the perks of living in a metropolitan area. The locals are loyal to their neighborhood and will welcome you with open arms as long as you’re willing to support and contribute to the city and its culture. That said, it’s also essential to consider the downsides to help you decide if it’s the place for you.
Chicago compared to other cities (June 2021 rent price data from Zumper national rent report)
| Cities | 1-BR Avg. Rent | 2-BR Avg. Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $1,400 | $1,610 |
| Chicago | $1,500 | $1,760 |
| Columbus | $930 | $1,140 |
| Denver | $1,690 | $2,190 |
| Houston | $1,220 | $1,530 |
| Indianapolis | $960 | $1,020 |
| Jacksonville | $1,100 | $1,330 |
| Philadelphia | $1,360 | $1,730 |
| Phoenix | $1,200 | $1,520 |
| San Antonio | $1,040 | $1,300 |
| San Diego | $2,060 | $2,730 |
| Seattle | $1,750 | $2,340 |
| Washington | $2,240 | $2,960 |
