New York vs Chicago: Cost, Visas & Safety
Living in New York vs Chicago: New York runs about $4,970/mo all-in vs $3,080/mo in Chicago — Chicago is cheaper. See visas, safety, internet, and…
Chicago is the cheaper base — roughly $1,890/mo less all-in, New York scores higher for safety, and internet is comparable in both. Which one wins depends on your income, passport, and what you value most.
How they compare
- Cost of living: Chicago is about $1,890/mo cheaper — $3,080/mo all-in vs $4,970/mo in New York (one person).
- Rent: lower in Chicago ($1,700/mo vs $3,200/mo for a typical place).
- Safety: New York rates higher (72/100 for New York vs 60/100 for Chicago).
- Internet: both solid for remote work (88/100 vs 92/100).
- Climate: New York edges ahead (62/100 vs 50/100).
- Visa: both rated Hard to enter — check long-stay and residency options for your passport.
- Expat community: larger and more established in New York (92/100 vs 75/100).
- Families: New York rates safer for family life (72/100 vs 65/100 family safety).
- Local salaries: higher in New York (~$5,500/mo vs ~$4,200/mo average) — relevant if you'd work locally rather than remotely.
- Sunshine: New York logs about 220 sunny days a year vs 190 in Chicago.
Frequently asked questions
Is New York or Chicago cheaper to live in?
New York costs about $4,970/month all-in for one person; Chicago costs about $3,080/month. That makes Chicago roughly $1,890/mo cheaper, though rent, food, and lifestyle choices shift the total.
How much cheaper is Chicago than New York?
About $1,890/month for a single person — $3,080/mo in Chicago vs $4,970/mo in New York, covering rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities, and everyday extras.
Which is safer, New York or Chicago?
New York scores higher on Jonzy's safety index (72/100 for New York vs 60/100 for Chicago). Both are catalog averages — feelings of safety also vary by neighbourhood and time of day.
Which is better for remote work and digital nomads, New York or Chicago?
For connectivity, both are solid (88/100 vs 92/100). On climate, New York edges ahead (62/100 vs 50/100). Jonzy scores both against your income, passport, and priorities so you see which fits your setup.
Which is easier to get a visa for, New York or Chicago?
New York's visa process is rated Hard (about 12 weeks); Chicago's is rated Hard (about 16 weeks). Your passport changes the answer — run a visa check for both in Jonzy.
Can I compare New York and Chicago for my situation?
Yes, open Jonzy, enter your income and passport, and get personalised Life Upgrade Scores for both cities. You can also share a side-by-side comparison link with a partner.