City vs city
Chicago, IL vs New York, NY
- Rent is 26% lower in Chicago (median $1,440/mo vs $1,821/mo in New York).
- Homes cost 133% less in Chicago ($334k vs $778k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $371 more a month after taxes and rent in Chicago.
- Schools rate higher in New York (5.4/10 vs 2.4/10).
- Chicago has less violent crime (4.2 vs 5.5 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- New York has milder winters (34°F vs 26°F average).
- New York gets more sun (224 vs 189 sunny days a year).
| Chicago | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,440/mo | $1,821/mo |
| Median home value | $334k | $778k |
| Median household income | $78k | $80k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,395 | $3,024 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 2.4/10 | 5.4/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.2× the US rate | 1.5× the US rate |
| Summer average | 85°F | 85°F |
| Winter average | 26°F | 34°F |
| Sunny days a year | 189 | 224 |
| Walk score | 77 | 89 |
| Population | 2,711,226 | 8,483,844 |
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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