Why Should I Consider Moving to NYC or Chicago?
When it comes to American cities, few can beat Chicago and New York in terms of culture, excitement, and overall lifestyle. However, when deciding which of these landmark metropolises best suits you, learning more about the similarities and differences between them will help you to see which place matches the life you dream of living. To support your decision-making process, we composed a handy comparison of NYC versus Chicago, covering all of the important topics, from weather and culture, to housing options and the job market.
Related to NYC Vs. Chicago: Guide to Utilities & Service Providers in Chicago
East Coast Vs. Midwest Culture
Lifestyle
Beacons of diversity and culture, both Chicago and New York City promise you a vibrant and textured lifestyle full of spectacular experiences.
In living up to that promise, Chicago’s famous food scene sits front and center. If you watched The Bear, you glimpsed the plenitude of plates awaiting your taste buds in this culinary mecca. Plus, during the summers, the average Chicagoan spends their days at the city’s many parks, events (especially festivals), and attractions. Routine visits to Lake Michigan round out the warm months as locals flock to the beaches and docks for swimming, boating, and picnicking next to the water.
Although known as the “concrete jungle,” New York’s many green spaces, including Central Park and Bryant Park, certainly show that the locals value an outdoor lifestyle in addition to its many cultural institutions and landmarks, from the Statue of Liberty to The Met. Food also plays a huge role in New York’s diverse scene, with the latest restaurants, bars, and nightlife spots all at the tip of your fingertips.
Sure, celebrity chefs love both of these cities, and art, both public and nestled inside fancy exhibits, pulsates through them both as well. However, Chicago’s reputation for friendliness and a welcoming attitude owes its thanks to that famous “Midwest nice” mentality. New Yorkers might come across as a bit more rough and tough, at least on the surface.
Cost of Living in Chicago Vs. NYC
As a city, the cost of living in Chicago ranks higher than the national average; however, when compared to many other major cities, it remains fairly affordable. The average rent for an apartment in Chi-Town is about 20% higher than the national average, sitting at around $2,350 per month. However, higher salaries within the city compensate for some of that cost, with a median household income of $75,134.
New York, on the other hand, is significantly pricier — about 101% more expensive than Chicago, according to NerdWallet. Although your rent will depend on what borough you live in, with Manhattan representing the most costly area, the average rent for an apartment in NYC comes in at about $3,870 per month and will most likely be smaller than what you’d find in Chicago.
Housing Options
Unsurprisingly to anyone familiar with either of these cities, renters represent the majority of locals. Over half of Chicago’s residents rent, and almost 70% of New Yorkers do the same. The high costs of owning a home in the city contribute to this situation, but not those prices alone. Many renters, especially but not exclusively younger ones, appreciate the benefits that come with leasing. Most of the apartments found in both Chicago and New York are full-service buildings, which means they come with advantages, such as trash pick-up, extra security, and included utility costs. They also provide amenities like fitness centers, rec rooms, and, even, in-house laundry service. However, should you set your heart on buying, condos and cooperatives serve as great alternatives in both Chicago and New York.
Transportation in NYC Vs. Chicago
When it comes to transportation, Chicago and New York are two of the best US cities for getting around with ease. Both operate extensive public transportation systems that make navigating the neighborhoods of these metropolises a breeze.
In Chicago, the Chicago Transit Authority runs the ever-popular El trains on the elevated tracks so crucial to the city’s character as well as the bus lines that run through the city. As if this efficient and highly serviceable system doesn’t rid you of the desire to own a car, the horrendous traffic within Chi-Town will probably cinch the deal.
In New York City, the Metro Transit Authority operates over 500 subway stations and more than 200 bus routes that run 24/7. Should you want to get somewhere even quicker though, you can hail one of the city’s ubiquitous yellow cabs on any street corner and arrive in a New York minute.
Job Market
As two of the nation’s biggest economic hubs, the job markets in both Chicago and New York City are robust and diverse. As the home base of such Fortune 500 companies as Hyatt Hotels, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and State Farm Insurance, Chicago evokes a strong pull for workers in the business field, especially for those whose jobs revolve around the industries of finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. With Chicago’s growth in recent years, the construction industry has grown into a sizable chunk of the job force, with technicians and electricians in particular demand.
Famous for the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ, NYC certainly attracts professionals seeking a career in finance. However, as the headquarters for many major broadcasting networks, record labels, and publishing houses, it is also an important location for anyone wishing to pursue a profession in the arts.
Recreation
When it comes to free time in Chicago, get ready to take yourself out to the ball game (or the football or the basketball or the hockey game). Windy City locals feel passionate about their sports teams and will gladly catch a game at Wrigley Field or the United Center on any given night. For a more cultural experience, the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the largest art museums in America, will give you the chance to see many famous pieces of artwork, such as American Gothic, up close and personal. But, that hardly scratches the surface of the numerous museums, attractions, and activities throughout this incredible city.
New York also takes the cake with its abundant museums and cultural experiences, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The American Museum of Natural History, and The Museum of Modern Art, to name just a few. New York’s Broadway scene, the city’s crown jewel, edges out Chicago’s in size to reign supreme in this performing art. Residents and visitors alike chomp at the bit to catch the latest play or musical taking the stage by storm. Additionally, NYC’s own sports teams capture the hearts of fans, if a tad bit less fanatically than worshipers of the Cubs.
Weather in NYC Vs. Chicago
We won’t sugarcoat it for you: with temperatures that dip below zero and freezing winds that blow off of Lake Michigan, the winters in Chicago are famously brutal. However, as many locals will tell you, after enduring one or two of those chilly winter seasons, you become used to it and know how to prepare. And, the thought of Chicago’s great summers, with perfect blue skies and endless outdoor events, makes those cold days a lot easier to get through.
In New York, you get more of the full four-season experience – hot summers, breezy falls, cold winters, and rainy springs – the full spectrum. Temperatures usually range from 14°F at the very lowest to 92°F at the highest.
Get Ready for Your Move from New York to Chicago
Whether you end up moving to Chicago, New York City, or someplace else entirely, our knowledgeable team at AptAmigo will help you find the best place to call home. Our team of agents can direct you to the buildings that are right for your lifestyle, needs, and wants. They will work with you to make sure you get the best deal possible for your dream unit.
