Best for affordability: Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois looks like the easiest place here to live with less financial drag. It comes out ahead on rent burden and rent.
What Stands Out
A quick read on this comparison
Deterministic summaries based on the data in view.
Biggest tradeoff: Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois is the sharpest split in this comparison: strong on daily convenience, weaker on safety.
Potential dealbreaker: Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts needs a closer look before you get too attached, especially on rent burden.
Comparison Matrix
| City | ||
|---|---|---|
| Route | ||
| General Info | ||
| Population | 653,833 | 2,664,452 |
| Population Density | 13.8k /sq mi | 12.0k /sq mi |
| Elevation | 46 ft(14 m) | 587 ft(179 m) |
| Housing & Wealth | ||
| Median Home | $760,717 | $304,487 |
| Median Rent | $3,589 | $2,191 |
| Median Income | $89,212 | $71,673 |
| Rent Burden | 48% | 37% |
| Climate & Risks | ||
| Sunny Days | 285 days/yr | 212 days/yr |
| Avg. High | 61°F | 59°F |
| Comfort Score | 51/100Mixed | 47/100Mixed |
| Temp Swing | 46°F | 48°F |
| Annual Rainfall | 48"(122 cm) | 44"(112 cm) |
| Annual Snowfall | 11"(28 cm) | 11"(28 cm) |
| Air Quality | AQI 43 (Avg)18 days > 100 | AQI 50 (Avg)19 days > 100 |
| Infrastructure & Lifestyle | ||
| Walk Score | 72 | 72 |
| Transit Score | 100 | 100 |
| Safety Score | 60 / 100 | 30 / 100 |
| School Rating | 5.3/10 | 7.3/10 |
| Flood Risk (FEMA) | N/A | minimalMinimal Risk |
| Fire Risk (FEMA) | minimalMinimal | minimalMinimal |
| Internet Access | Fiber: 57%Cable: 99% | Fiber: 33%Cable: 99% |
| Demographics | ||
| Median Age | 32.9 years | 35.3 years |
| College Educated | 53% | 42% |
| Remote Workers | 16% | 16% |
| Nature Access | ||
| Local Nature & Reserves | Finding... | Finding... |
| Scouting & Local Help | ||
Plan a first lookWays to plan a first visit or connect with a relevant local partner. | Featured Local Partner ADYour logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Boston | Featured Local Partner ADYour logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Chicago |
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