NYC vs Chicago, Where Should You Live?

NYC vs Chicago is a hot topic nowadays, and a lot of people want to know what is the difference between these two cities. Each city possesses a unique charm and character. As the largest city in the United States, New York City is known for its bustling urban life, cultural diversity and countless landmarks. Known as the “Capital of the World,” New York City is the center of finance, fashion, arts and entertainment, with world-renowned attractions such as Wall Street, Broadway, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. Chicago, on the other hand, is known for its distinctive architecture, rich musical history, and welcoming Midwestern culture. While both cities have highly developed economies and thriving city life, they differ significantly in population and size, cost of living, transportation, climate, culture options and overall pace of life. Whether you choose Chicago or New York, each city offers a unique living experience and a rich cultural background waiting to be explored by every student and visitor.

Table of Contents

Is New York bigger than Chicago: Population and Size

Are you curious about NYC vs Chicago size?

How many square miles is New York City?

New York City has a total area of about 302.6 square miles (784 square kilometres), which includes both land and water. Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island are the main five boroughs in NYC. New York City is the most populous city in the United States and one of the most diverse cities in the world. The city is home to many famous landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Central Park. Not only is New York City the financial, cultural and media center of the United States, but it also attracts tourists and immigrants from around the globe.

How many square miles is Chicago?

Chicago is located in the U.S. state of Illinois and is the third largest city in the United States. The total area of Chicago is about 234 square miles (about 606 square kilometers). Of this, the land area is about 227.73 square miles (about 590 square kilometers) and the water area is about 6.27 square miles (about 16 square kilometers). Chicago is a diverse city known for its architecture, culture and economic strength. Its location makes it a major transportation hub, connecting the Midwest and other parts of the United States.

Population: Chicago vs NYC

Chicago and New York are two important cities in the United States, but there are significant differences in the populations of New York vs Chicago.

New York City has a population of approximately 8.1 million, making it the most populous city in the United States. New York consists of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island, each with large numbers of residents and dense urban development.

In comparison, Chicago, with a population of approximately 2.7 million, is the third largest city in the United States. Located in Illinois, Chicago is a major economic and cultural centre in the Midwest. Although not as populous as New York, Chicago remains a diverse metropolis with a wealth of cultural, athletic, and business resources.

Cost of Living in NYC vs Chicago

Cost of Living in NYC:

Category	Costs($/month)
Housing	$2000-$3500
Food and Grocery	$400-$800
Transportation	$130-$150
Healthcare	$300-$600
Miscellaneous	$300-$600

Cost of Living in Chicago:

Category	Costs($/month)
Housing	$1300-$2400
Food and Grocery	$300-$500
Transportation	$100-$120
Healthcare	$200-$500
Miscellaneous	$200-$400

The cost of living in NYC is much higher than the cost of living in Chicago from different perspectives. The cost of everyday living goods and services is higher in New York. Dining, transportation, and entertainment costs tend to be more expensive in New York City, and restaurant meals, in particular, tend to be considerably more expensive than in Chicago. While New York City has a well-developed public transportation system, the cost of a monthly pass is also higher. Chicago’s public transportation system, while not as dense or convenient as New York City’s, is less costly and monthly passes are more affordable.

Overall, when you compare New York vs Chicago’s cost of living, it is crucial to understand the details of the cost of living between the two locations to make a decision that best fits one’s financial situation and lifestyle.

Chicago vs NYC: Housing Cost Comparison

There are significant differences in the housing costs in New York City vs Chicago. The housing markets of Chicago vs NYC are distinctly different in terms of price and type. Below we will compare the prices of different housing types in these two cities to help you better understand the differences.

First, housing costs are generally higher in New York City than in Chicago. In Manhattan, monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment typically range from $3,500 to $4,500, while the housing costs of a two-bedroom range from $5,000 to $7,000. If you looking for luxury apartments, prices can be even higher, especially in Chelsea or Lower East Side.

In contrast, housing costs in Chicago are relatively low. In the downtown Chicago area, rents for one-bedroom apartments typically range from $2,000 to $3,000, while two-bedroom rents range from $3,000 to $4,500. Even at the high end, prices in Chicago are typically lower than in New York City.

While, you are in the right place. uhomes.com is here to help you find cheap apartments for rent in NYC and affordable student apartments in Chicago. We provide a wide range of student housing for you to select based on your budget and preference.

Sales Tax and Personal Income Tax: NYC vs Chicago

Sales Tax:

Chicago:
Sales tax is high, with a total sales tax rate of about 10.25% in the metro area.

New York:
Sales tax is relatively low combined state and city sales tax of about 8.875%.

Personal Income Tax:

Chicago:
Personal income tax is a flat rate of about 4.95%.

New York:
Personal income tax is tiered, with rates ranging from 4% to 10.9%, with higher rates for higher incomes.

NY vs Chicago: Public Transportations

1. Coverage Area: NYC vs Chicago

New York:
Subways, buses, ferries and commuter rail cover the five boroughs.
The subway system in NYC is the largest in the world with 472 stations.
Subways operate 24 hours a day.
Chicago:
Subway (“L”), buses and commuter rail cover downtown and its environs.
The Chicago subway has 145 stations and does not run in the early morning hours.
Coverage is not as extensive as in New York.

2. Fares and Payment Methods: Chicago vs NYC

New York:
One-time fare of $2.75 for subway and bus.
Pay with MetroCard or OMNY.
MetroCard can be reloaded or purchased for unlimited rides.
Chicago:
Subway fares are $2.50 and buses are $2.25.
Use a Ventra card or mobile payment app.
Ventra Card can be reloaded or purchased for unlimited rides.

3. New York vs Chicago: Quality of Service and Comfort

New York:
Subway service is frequent, but the infrastructure is ageing and overcrowded.
Car comfort is low, especially during rush hour.
Bus service is good, but vulnerable to congestion during peak hours.
Chicago:
Subway cars are modern, comfortable, and on time.
Bus service is good but subject to traffic.

4. New York City vs Chicago: Environment and Safety

New York:
Poor subway sanitation and security problems.
The bus system has a better environment, but rush hour crowding and security problems.
Chicago:
The new subway system, good sanitation and policing.
The transit system has a good environment and stable policing.

Chicago vs New York Weather

The weather of New York City vs Chicago each unique, with the main differences being temperature, humidity, and seasonal characteristics.

New York City has a temperate monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with average temperatures between 25-30 degrees Celsius, often accompanied by thunderstorms. Winters are relatively cold compared to Chicago, with average temperatures around 0 degrees Celsius, but with fewer weather extremes. Spring and fall are mild and pleasant for outdoor activities. New York’s rainfall is relatively uniform and wet throughout the year.

By contrast, Chicago has a continental climate with long, cold winters and short, warm summers. Summer temperatures average between 20-28 degrees Celsius, which is warmer, but drier with lower humidity compared to New York. Winter is a major feature of Chicago’s climate, with temperatures often below freezing, chilly winds, and frequent snowstorms. The spring and fall seasons are shorter and temperatures fluctuate, often with significant temperature differences within a day.

Education: New York vs Chicago

New York and Chicago are two important educational centers in the United States, each with distinctive institutions of higher learning that attract many students.

New York is known for its wealth of universities, with top institutions such as Columbia University, New York University (NYU) and City University of New York (CUNY). Not only are these universities academically renowned, but they also offer a wide range of program choices and international learning environments that attract students from around the globe.

Chicago is known for its strong system of public and private universities, with notable schools including the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. Known for its rigorous academic standards and outstanding research, the University of Chicago is the cradle of Nobel Prize winners. Meanwhile, Chicago’s urban environment offers students a wealth of internship and employment opportunities.

Crime Rate: Is New York or Chicago safer?

City/Crime Rate(per 100k people)	Total Crime Rate	Violent Crime Rate	Property Crime Rate
NYC	2885	744	2141
Chicago	3673	540	3133

When discussing safety in NYC vs Chicago, many people focus on the crime rates in both cities. New York City has experienced a significant drop in crime over the past few years. Despite New York City’s large population, the overall crime rate has dropped to its lowest point in decades, especially when it comes to violent crime, and the overall trend is positive. In contrast, Chicago’s crime rate, especially for shootings and murders, remains high.

Overall, public safety in New York is generally considered to be better than in Chicago. Chicago faces a more complex violent crime problem involving gang violence and socioeconomic factors. As a result, when comparing the safety of Chicago versus New York, New York City generally feels safer and people generally feel more at ease.

Culture in NYC vs Chicago

NYC vs Chicago has some significant differences in terms of culture, art and food.

1. Food culture:
New York is known for its diverse food culture, where you can find food from almost all over the world, from street-side hot dogs to Michelin-starred dishes in upscale restaurants. When people talk about the food culture in Chicago vs NYC, they always mention New York vs Chicago pizza. More specifically, New York is famous for its pizza, with its thin crust and rich sauce, often a favourite among locals and tourists alike. In contrast, Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizzas, thick crusts filled with rich toppings and strong cheeses for a unique flavor that has become a cultural icon in Chicago.

2. Arts and cultural events:
New York is known as the “City of Culture” and is home to numerous museums, art galleries and theaters, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Broadway. It attracts millions of visitors each year to enjoy performances and exhibitions. In contrast, Chicago also has a rich arts scene, known for its indie music and theatre scenes, as well as blues and jazz, which are deeply rooted in the city’s culture.

3. Architectural style:
New York’s skyline is known for its skyscrapers, with landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty attracting visitors. Chicago is known for its unique architectural style, especially the “Chicago School” of architecture, with many historic buildings and modern skyscrapers forming the city’s unique identity.

Sports: New York vs Chicago

New York VS Chicago in sports culture, with both cities having their powerhouse teams and unique appeal in different sports. In soccer area, the matchup between NY Red Bulls vs Chicago Fire FC often attracts a lot of attention from fans. The game is not only a competitive match but also a battle of culture and pride between the two cities.

Established in 1994, the New York Red Bulls are one of the founding teams of Major League Soccer (MLS) and have a strong roster that often attracts world-class players. The team’s home stadium is located at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey and is known for its modern facilities and passionate fans. In contrast, the Chicago Fire were founded in 1997 and although this team have a shorter history, they have amassed a loyal fan base having won honors such as the MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield in early years.

FAQ

Is it better to live in New York or Chicago?

Choosing to live in New York vs Chicago depends on personal needs and preferences. New York has more cultural activities, an international atmosphere and career opportunities, but the cost of living is higher and fast-paced. By contrast, Chicago offers a more affordable cost of living, more living space, and a friendly neighbourhood atmosphere for those who love the city but want to relax a little.

Is Chicago cleaner than New York?

In general, Chicago is considered superior to New York in terms of cleanliness. Chicago’s streets and public spaces are relatively better managed and the city government has a higher commitment to cleanliness. New York, despite many cleanliness efforts, still faces problems with litter and dirt in certain areas due to high population density and tourist traffic.

Is Chicago crime rate higher than New York City?

Yes. Chicago typically has a higher crime rate than New York City. Chicago has relatively high rates of violent crime, particularly gun violence and murder. Chicago’s overall crime rate is 3,673 per 100k people. New York’s overall crime rate is 2,885 per 100k people. New York City has been successful in lowering its overall crime rate over the past few years through increased policing and community partnerships.

How many miles is New York from Chicago?

New York is about 790 miles (about 1,270 kilometers) from Chicago. The flight time by airplane is about 2 hours. The two cities are easily accessible by road, train and direct flights.