If you are considering moving to Chicago from New York City, then you must know which city is more affordable to live in.
New York and Chicago, despite their many differences, meet the needs of distinct populations. New York City has the greatest population in the US and is home to some of the highest populations worldwide. On the other hand, Chicago is less mobbed and more family-friendly than other cities.
Chicago’s population and size compare to New York’s
New York is the most populous city in the United States. Over 8.6 million people called New York City home in 2020. With a land area of 300.46 square miles, New York City spans 472.43 square miles. For New York, the region has a population density of 29,729 persons per square mile. With such population density, New York is the nation’s most densely populated metropolis.
With more than 2.7 million residents, Chicago is the third most populated city worldwide. It is 234.53 square miles in size, with 12,124 people per square mile. Chicago is the seventh most populated city in the country, behind New York City, San Francisco, Jersey City, Boston, Miami, and Santa Ana.
Chicago is not nearly as heavily populated as New York. There are benefits and drawbacks to its density. Chicago is the place for you if you’re looking for a more laid-back and comfortable atmosphere; if you enjoy the excitement of the big city, New York City is the place for you.
The New York vs. Chicago Cost of Living
New York is an expensive city, with a cost of living 75.1% greater than that of Chicago. Among the costs of living are utilities, food and groceries, housing and rent, medical care, and transportation. The cost of food and utilities is 20% more in New York City than in Chicago. NYC has more expensive utilities by 62%, transportation by 31%, and health care by 25%.
The only things separating Chicago from New York are housing and rent of student housing Chicago. The cost of rent in Chicago is about 81% less than in New York City. Chicago has an average rent of $1,862, which is lower than the $3,374 average in New York City. Purchasing a home or piece of real estate in New York is around 197% more expensive.
In comparison, the typical cost of a property in Chicago is approximately $229,100, while a comparable home in New York is about $680,500. Keep in mind that the US average pay is $231,200. Chicago is the undisputed leader in terms of cost of living, providing a better standard of living at a more affordable average cost.
Nicknamed as “The Windy City,” Chicago is the third most populated city in the country. A mix of “mid-western generosity” and “New York hustle” inhabit this area. Chicago’s communities, each with a unique culture and a wealth of history, contribute to the city’s charm. There are also a lot of research institutes and libraries located all around the city. As a full-time student, you also get free bus and train transportation!
Why come to Chicago to study?
Chicago is the third-largest metropolis in the United States and the most populated city in the state of Illinois. It is renowned for being a centre for business, a fast-paced urban lifestyle, and a vibrant performing arts scene.
Chicago’s multicultural environment and excellent links to the rest of the US and the world attract international students. With a variety of transport alternatives and even free travel via some of the city’s universities’ u-pass, this huge city is easy to navigate.
Crime Rates in New York vs Chicago
New York is a fantastic city with an extremely strict security framework. Chicago has a much higher crime rate than New York, which is safer. On a scale of 1 to 100, where 100 represents the least secure city and 1 represents the most secure, US city crime rates are expressed. New York has a violent crime rating of 28.2 and a property crime rating of 24.9. Chicago’s violent crime rating is 49.9, while its property crime rating is 46.3. The US has an average violent crime rate of 22.7 and a property crime rate of 35.4.
The fact that New York has the best-funded police force in the nation—the New York Police Department—can be blamed for the city’s lower crime rate. With nearly 800 killings in 2021 and roughly 104 murders so far in 2022, Chicago leads the country in crime, while New York has only had 74.
Employment Prospects: Chicago vs New York
Though New York City is larger and has a greater number of prestigious firms than Chicago, both cities provide plenty of professional opportunities. Manufacturing, publishing, insurance, finance, and food processing are Chicago’s top industries. The financial, legal, medical, and information technology sectors are the most significant in New York. Almost 350,000 new jobs were added by the private sector in the last few years. At the same time, the private sector in Chicago has added almost 160,000 jobs. Although the wage gap between comparably trained professionals in New York and Chicago is approximately 11.6%, it is not large enough to compensate for the higher cost of living in New York City.
New York’s employment rate is 2.2% lower than Chicago’s. Still, the rate of job expansion is rising annually. Chicago’s job market has grown by 3.1% over the last ten years, whereas New York City’s has grown by 4.7%. Though the average pay is greater in New York, its high cost of living can quickly level the playing field.
