Why Should I Consider Moving from Boston to Chicago?
It’s more than just a change in accent, that’s for sure. Those who know cities know that they all possess their unique characteristics, frustrations, and charms. Whether you are a native Bostonian or a recent transplant, you may be considering a move to a larger city with more to offer. While people looking for big city life often think of New York or Los Angeles, depending upon your needs, Chicago may present the better move.
Chi-Town, America’s third largest city, is known for its beautiful architecture, mouth-watering culinary scene, and wind. However, its affordability is mentioned less often. Not only is Chicago cheaper than New York and L.A., but even with four times the population, the Second City is significantly less expensive than Boston. And, don’t worry; you can still watch the Red Sox play when they come to play the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Related: The Best Bars in Lincoln Park, Chicago
Midwest Vs. East Coast Culture: What to Consider When Moving from Boston to Chicago
Overall Lifestyle
The hustle and bustle and grind weave into the fabric of everyday life in both cities. While Bostonians may come across as a little gruffer, and Chicagoans maintain a saccharine midwestern sensibility, the citizens of both cities are remarkably kind and welcoming to newcomers.
With cool and long winters, both cities offer many indoor activities and both see a blossoming of outdoor activity once the temperature reaches into the 50s.
In terms of lifestyle, both cities will keep you busy and can provide you with whatever you may want. However, the affordability of Chicago may give you a little more spending money to enjoy during your free time, and the size means a proportionally larger number of museums, festivals, and cultural experiences.
Housing Options
One of the greatest differences between these two cities lies in the housing market. First, let’s look at the cost. The average home price in Chicago comes in at just under $300,000, while the average price of a home in Boston sits closer to $756,000, more than double.
However, that gap reduces somewhat when taking a fuller picture into account. A home in a desirable neighborhood in Chicago will come in closer to or above that million-dollar mark, unless you can find an old home that needs repairs (but those renovations can cost a pretty penny). Also, Chicago’s property taxes cost so much that the increases sometimes force people out of their homes. Expect to pay around 7% for a single-family home’s assessed value in Chicago, but less than 1% in Boston. Nevertheless, the overall cost difference for home ownership between these cities remains substantial.
The same cost-of-living gap shows up in rent prices. Chicago averages close to $2,250 per month, but Boston’s average rings in much higher at around $3,850. Thus, for renters interested in eventually buying a home, saving more with lower Chicago rent and home prices might look more appealing.
In addition to cost considerations, the types of rentals available also differ. If you want to live in or near the city center, some of the most famous historical buildings in Chicago serve as luxury apartment complexes today alongside numerous brand-new high-rises. In Boston, smaller, older, brick row houses are more common.
That said, both cities offer more affordable suburb options easily accessible by a network of commuter rails.
Transportation
Boston and Chicago provide a similar range of transportation options. Both cities operate extensive bus routes, and both offer large international airports. When it comes to subway systems, again, both cities do not disappoint. Boston runs the predominantly below-ground “T” and Chicago maintains its mostly elevated “El” trains.
In terms of traffic congestion and commute times, these cities experience similar levels of gridlock, ranking second (Chicago) and third (Boston) for the worst travel delay times in the US in 2023, according to the Global Traffic Scorecard.
Job Market
Like many large cities, both Chicago and Boston advertise a variety of jobs in major industries, such as finance, insurance, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and hospitality. However, due to its strategic location and history, Chicago also functions as a major hub for transportation.
While they do fluctuate, unemployment rates tend to stay a few percentage points higher in Chicago than in Boston. That said, the greater number of opportunities and lower cost of living in the Windy City makes it more accessible for people earlier in their careers to establish themselves.
Recreation
As two of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States, whatever activities you love, these cities offer it. With fabulously rich histories, both cities deliver great music venues, art galleries, historical sites and tours, and museums. Their geographic locations also provide a wide variety of aquatic opportunities, such as sailing, boat tours, and beaches. And, they both support several winning sports teams with legions of diehard fans.
Chicago has a leg up in the areas of architecture and culinary arts though. So, if you love design or food, Chi-Town won’t disappoint.
Weather
Cold. Windy. Snowy. Both Boston and Chicago are all of these things. When it comes to weather, Bean Town may take the upper hand. Due in part to the moderating ocean effect from the Atlantic on the city of Boston, Chicago remains consistently about 10 degrees colder in the winter and 10 degrees warmer in the summer. However, both cities provide plenty of beaches that offer much-needed respite during the hot summer months.
Get Ready for Your Move to Chicago from Boston
There are many different reasons why people look to move. Maybe your work situation changed; maybe you want to live closer to family; maybe you’re just looking for a new adventure. No matter the reason, moving can become overwhelming, costly, and time-consuming. At AptAmigo we take the stress out of finding your perfect home. If you are ready to take the dive and make the move from Boston to Chicago, reach out to one of our Locators today. They will take the time to get to know you and your situation and will work tirelessly to find you the perfect luxury apartment.
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Melanie Robinson is a writer and poet from Texas. You can learn more about her and her copywriting business on her website.
