Chicago and Boston are both iconic American cities that enjoy international acclaim. Boston is a relatively small city, but with a lot of history and plenty of opportunities. It is known around the world for being the cradle of American history, home to the Boston Common, and where you’ll find hardcore football fans cheering for the Patriots. By contrast, Chicago is a much larger city; it is the third most heavily populated city in the U.S. after New York City and Los Angeles. Chicago residents can enjoy Millenium Park, a modern public park spanning 24.5 acres, and cheering for the Bears. While some football fans may be loyal enough to pick a city based on their favorite team, we recommend comparing the cost of living and salaries in each city for a more complete picture.
Is it more expensive to live in Boston or Chicago?
Yes, it is more expensive to live in Boston than in Chicago. However, that is not the whole story as wages in Chicago are about 20% lower. While the median household income in Boston was last recorded at $76,298 by the U.S. Census Bureau, in Chicago that number was $62,097. Additionally, Boston has been repeatedly voted as the top U.S. city when accounting for overall quality of life.
Consumer prices are only slightly lower in Chicago, when compared to Boston- 8.37% lower. This is a low enough percentage that it will vary greatly depending on your diet. For example, fruits like bananas and apples are between 12% and 15% more expensive in Chicago. Eggs, on the other hand, are about 11% less expensive in Chicago. A pound of beef costs the same (on average, a pound of beef costs only 1 cent more in Chicago than in Boston).
Transportation is also slightly more expensive in Chicago if you drive. Gas is cheaper in Boston, since gas taxes are almost double in Illinois when compared to Massachusetts. In Boston, gas is currently at $4.611/ gallon, and in Chicago gas is currently at $4.993/ gallon. Additionally, given that Chicago is 234 square miles…