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 | 2,664,452 | 653,833 |
| Population Density | 12.0k /sq mi | 13.8k /sq mi |
| Elevation | 587 ft(179 m) | 46 ft(14 m) |
| Housing & Wealth | ||
| Median Home | $304,487 | $760,717 |
| Median Rent | $2,191 | $3,589 |
| Median Income | $71,673 | $89,212 |
| Rent Burden | 37% | 48% |
| Climate & Risks | ||
| Sunny Days | 212 days/yr | 285 days/yr |
| Avg. High | 59°F | 61°F |
| Comfort Score | 47/100Mixed | 51/100Mixed |
| Temp Swing | 48°F | 46°F |
| Annual Rainfall | 44"(112 cm) | 48"(122 cm) |
| Annual Snowfall | 11"(28 cm) | 11"(28 cm) |
| Air Quality | AQI 50 (Avg)19 days > 100 | AQI 43 (Avg)18 days > 100 |
| Infrastructure & Lifestyle | ||
| Walk Score | 72 | 72 |
| Transit Score | 100 | 100 |
| Safety Score | 30 / 100 | 60 / 100 |
| School Rating | 7.3/10 | 5.3/10 |
| Flood Risk (FEMA) | minimalMinimal Risk | N/A |
| Fire Risk (FEMA) | minimalMinimal | minimalMinimal |
| Internet Access | Fiber: 33%Cable: 99% | Fiber: 57%Cable: 99% |
| Demographics | ||
| Median Age | 35.3 years | 32.9 years |
| College Educated | 42% | 53% |
| 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 Chicago | Featured Local Partner ADYour logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Boston |
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