Thinking about moving to Chicago? It’s the third biggest city in the U.S. and many people enjoy living there. But what’s it really like? What are the good and bad sides of living in Chicago and how can you tell if it’s the right place for you? Before you decide, learn some quick facts about the city and check out the pros and cons of living there.
Planning a move? Start by getting a free quote from STI Moving & Storage—it’s an easy way to kick off a smooth and stress-free relocation.
Fun Facts You Should Know About Chicago
Before we dive into what it’s really like to live in Chicago, here are some fun and interesting facts that show what makes the city special.
- About 7 million people live in Chicago.
- The name “Chicago” comes from a Native American word that meant “striped skunk” or “wild leek,” likely referring to the wild plants that grew near the river.
- It’s known as the Windy City—partly because of the weather and partly because of old-time politicians who liked to talk a lot.
- Chicago is also called the Second City.
- It has the second-largest public transportation system in the U.S., just behind New York City.
- In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire left about a third of the city’s population without homes.
- Chicago was the first place to build a skyscraper.
- Even though it’s a big city, people here are known for being friendly and down-to-earth.
- It’s a diverse city with people from many cultures and backgrounds.
- There are over 20 public beaches in Chicago that anyone can enjoy for free.
- The city is famous for its amazing food.
- Sports are a big deal here and locals are very loyal to their teams.
Chicago clearly has a lot to offer—but now let’s take a closer look at the real pros and cons of living in this iconic city.
And when it comes to the best deep-dish pizza? That’s something you’ll have to taste and decide for yourself!
Pro: One Great Thing About Living in Chicago Is the Food
When people think of food in Chicago, deep-dish pizza usually comes to mind. This cheesy, thick-crust favorite became popular back in 1943 when Pizzeria Uno started serving it. Soldiers returning from World War II had tried pizza in Italy and many locals expected it to catch on fast—and they were right.
Today, there’s still a fun debate about who makes the best deep-dish in town—some say it’s Uno’s, others vote for Lou Malnati’s. We’ll let you decide for yourself!
Chicago isn’t just about deep-dish pizza—it’s also known for its delicious thin-crust pizza, even though it doesn’t get as much attention. Another local favorite is the Chicago-style hot dog. It’s an all-beef hot dog in a poppy seed bun, loaded with mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, celery salt and peppers—but never ketchup!
Beyond hot dogs and pizza, Chicago is a dream for food lovers. The city has an amazing mix of foods from all around the world. Thanks to its diverse communities—including people from Latin America, India, China, Mexico, Pakistan and more—you’ll find a huge variety of flavors and dishes to enjoy all across the city.
If you’re in the mood for upscale dining, Chicago won’t disappoint. The city has been named Best Restaurant City of the Year by Bon Appetit and has over 20 restaurants that have earned Michelin stars. So, whether you want something casual or something fancy, Chicago has it all.
Con: Living in Chicago Can Be Pricey
One thing to think about before moving to Chicago is the cost. On average, it’s about 6% more expensive than other places in the U.S., according to BestPlaces. So yes, it can feel costly—especially if you compare it to cities like Charlotte or Detroit. But compared to big cities like Los Angeles or New York, Chicago is actually more affordable.
As of May 2024, the average home in Chicago costs around $298,400. That’s a lot less than in L.A. or NYC, and even lower than the U.S. median home price of $360,700. Still, the exact price you’ll pay depends on which part of the city you choose to live in.
Pro: Chicago Has an Amazing Culture Scene
Chicago is full of things to do and a lot of them are free—like outdoor festivals, live music and special museum days. When you look at the good and bad sides of living in Chicago, the fun and culture definitely stand out.
The city has over 60 museums and cultural spots to explore. Here are some top places you should check out:
- Shedd Aquarium
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- The Field Museum
- Museum of Science & Industry
- Lincoln Park Zoo
And that’s just the start—there’s always something interesting happening around the city!
Did you know Chicago has over 600 parks? That means you’re never too far from a green space where you can relax or join in on fun events like festivals, sports games, concerts and shows throughout the year.
The city also has a top-notch symphony orchestra, a lively theater scene and many dance groups—so there’s always something going on to keep you entertained.
Violent Crime Rates: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Crime rates in Chicago have gone down overall since 2005 but since 2020, the data hasn’t been fully reported.
Con: Crime Is Still a Concern in Chicago
Wondering if Chicago is a safe place to live? According to BestPlaces, Chicago has a violent crime rating of 49.9, while the U.S. average is 22.7 (on a scale from 1 to 100—the higher the number, the more crime).
While crime in the city has been going down overall since 2006, it did rise during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Since then, crime stats haven’t been fully reported because of changes in how government agencies collect the data.
NeighborhoodScout also notes that Chicago is currently safer than only about 6% of cities in the U.S.
The truth is, crime stats can be tricky and the full picture isn’t always clear from news reports. For instance, Chicago actually has lower violent and property crime rates than other similar Midwest cities like Indianapolis and Detroit.
Chicago also faces many deep-rooted social and economic challenges that affect crime rates—things that can’t be fully explained in just a few lines. If you’re interested, it’s worth looking into what the city is doing to improve safety and address these issues.
Yes, it’s smart to stay aware of your surroundings but don’t forget—Chicago is still a great city to live in. To really understand how crime might affect daily life, it’s a good idea to talk to people who live there now and ask which neighborhoods they feel are the safest.
Pro: Chicago Sports Fans Are Some of the Best
If you’re a sports fan, you’ll feel right at home in Chicago. The city’s love for its teams runs deep. When the Chicago Cubs won the World Series in 2016, it ended a 107-year wait—the longest in pro sports history. They play at Wrigley Field, the second-oldest stadium in Major League Baseball, named after the chewing gum company.
The area around the stadium, called Wrigleyville, is packed with great spots to catch a game, hang out and celebrate with other fans. And don’t forget—Chicago has another big baseball team too, the White Sox. Most people in the city are loyal to one team or the other—Cubs or Sox but not both!
Besides baseball, Chicago has die-hard fans of other teams too—like the Bulls (basketball), the Bears (football) and the Blackhawks (hockey). Even if you’re not really into sports right now, the city’s sports culture is so welcoming that you’ll feel like part of the crowd in no time.
Con: The Weather Can Be Tough to Adjust To
Chicago’s nickname, the “Windy City” might have started because of talkative politicians but the weather definitely lives up to the name too. Being right next to Lake Michigan means winters can get really cold and snowy. This happens because of something called lake effect snow—when cold air moves over the warmer lake water, it creates strong winds and heavy snow.
Even so, locals don’t let the weather slow them down. People still go to work, enjoy the city and make the most of it. Just be ready with a warm coat and sturdy boots!
On the other hand, summers in Chicago can get pretty hot. July usually hits around 82°F and it can feel even warmer with the humidity. Since the city sits next to Lake Michigan, the weather can be a bit unpredictable. One day in February might feel like spring at 50°F and you might even see rain and snow in a single day. Chicagoans just learn to roll with it and take the weather as it comes.
Pro: Chicago Offers Plenty of Job Options
Whether you’re looking to grow in your current field or try something new, Chicago has a lot of job opportunities. Big-name companies, small businesses and startups all operate here. You’ll find work in many industries like finance, healthcare, engineering, retail and food service.
As of 2024, most people working in Chicago earn between $52,500 and $88,000 a year, depending on the job. The city’s average yearly salary is about $87,592.
Con: Your Commute Might Be Long, Depending on Where You Live
Chicago has one of the best and biggest public transit systems in the country but traffic can still be a headache. If you live in an area that’s not close to a train or bus line, you might need a car to get around. That means you���ll likely spend extra time on the road—especially during rush hour in the morning and evening.
If you’re not sure how to get around downtown, just walk—Chicago is one of the most walkable cities in the U.S. The streets are laid out in a simple grid pattern, running north-south and east-west from the center point at State and Madison Streets. Once you get the hang of the grid, finding your way around is easy and getting lost is pretty hard!
Pro: Chicago’s Public Transit Is One of the Best
If you don’t drive, no worries—Chicago has a solid public transportation system. In fact, Time Out listed it as one of the top cities for mass transit.
If you chose to live in a Chicago neighborhood that’s served by the “L” train or one of the many CTA buses, getting around is usually easy and dependable. It’s also a great way to skip the traffic. Just keep in mind you might need to switch lines to reach your destination.
Con: Beach Days in Chicago Are a Bit Different
In Chicago, you won’t find ocean views or mountains. Illinois is one of the flattest states and Chicago sits on a flat area called the Chicago Plain. So if you’re someone who loves hills, cliffs or ocean waves, this might not be your ideal spot.
But—since Chicago sits right next to Lake Michigan, you get to enjoy a lot of great things like lakeside restaurants, the beautiful Lakefront Trail and plenty of beaches along the shore.
Here are five popular Chicago beaches:
- Oak Street Beach
- Rainbow Beach & Park
- North Avenue Beach
- Oakwood Beach
- Montrose Beach
One of the great things about living in Chicago is its mix of unique neighborhoods, the friendly and welcoming vibe of the people, and the wide range of good-paying job opportunities.
Why People Love Chicago
There are lots of reasons people enjoy living in Chicago—like its mix of different neighborhoods, the warm and friendly atmosphere and the many well-paying jobs. The weather can take some time to adjust to and it’s smart to look into crime rates before you move. But overall, when you weigh the good and the bad, many would agree that the positives make Chicago a great place to live.
FAQs About Living in Chicago
What are the downsides of living in Chicago?
Chicago has higher crime rates than the national average, some neighborhoods are expensive and winters can be very cold. Still, many of its 2.7 million residents love living there!
Is Chicago a good place to live?
Yes! There are plenty of job opportunities, housing is more affordable than in many coastal cities and there’s always something fun or interesting happening.
What are the benefits of living in Chicago?
Some of the top perks include amazing food, live music, a strong sports culture and a packed calendar of events year-round.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Chicago?
The average yearly salary in Chicago is about $87,592. What you’ll need depends on the neighborhood and whether you rent or buy a home.
Is Chicago expensive to live in?
It costs about 6% more than the U.S. average and 13% more than the Illinois average. But compared to cities like New York or L.A., Chicago is much more budget-friendly.
Can you live in Chicago without a car?
Yes, Chicago’s public transit system is one of the best in the country and makes it easy to get around without a car.
Which is better: Chicago or New York?
That depends on what you’re looking for. New York is bigger and faster-paced, while Chicago is more affordable and has a more laid-back, friendly vibe.
Why do people stay in Chicago?
People love the deep-dish pizza, the Cubs, the arts scene, the variety of neighborhoods, friendly locals and the lower cost of living compared to other big cities.
How much do movers cost in Chicago?
Moving costs can vary based on distance, services and the size of your move. It’s best to get a few quotes from local moving companies to find the best deal for your budget.
Still wondering if moving to Chicago is the right choice? Let STI Moving & Storage Company make it easier by handling your move and taking some of the stress off your shoulders.
Editor’s note: To make things easier to read, home prices have been rounded to the nearest hundred dollars.
