City vs city
Boston, MA vs Chicago, IL
- Rent is 49% lower in Chicago (median $1,440/mo vs $2,147/mo in Boston).
- Homes cost 119% less in Chicago ($334k vs $732k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $703 more a month after taxes and rent in Chicago.
- Schools rate higher in Boston (4.6/10 vs 2.4/10).
- Chicago has less violent crime (4.2 vs 5.8 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
| Boston | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $2,147/mo | $1,440/mo |
| Median home value | $732k | $334k |
| Median household income | $97k | $78k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $2,692 | $3,395 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 4.6/10 | 2.4/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.6× the US rate | 1.2× the US rate |
| Summer average | 82°F | 85°F |
| Winter average | 30°F | 26°F |
| Sunny days a year | 200 | 189 |
| Walk score | 83 | 77 |
| Population | 666,442 | 2,711,226 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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