City vs City Comparison
Compare cost of living, housing, jobs, weather, and more between two cities side by side.
Quick Verdict
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Chicago, IL | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Cost | $315,000 | $320,000 |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,700 | $1,300 |
| Median Income | $62,097 | $62,583 |
| Cost of Living | 107 / 100 | 104 / 100 |
| Sunny Days | 189 days/yr | 196 days/yr |
| Walkability | High | High |
| School Rating | 5 / 10 | 6 / 10 |
| Unemployment | 4.5% | 3% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 5.35-9.85% |
| Groceries Index | 102 | 100 |
| Healthcare Index | 103 | 98 |
| Avg Utilities | $145/mo | $130/mo |
Housing Deep Dive
What Does $300,000 Get You?
A starter home or condo, likely 1-2 bedrooms. You'll be below the median price point.
Median home price: $315,000
A starter home or condo, likely 1-2 bedrooms. You'll be below the median price point.
Median home price: $320,000
What Does $500,000 Get You?
A comfortable 3 bedroom home in a solid neighborhood, potentially with recent updates.
Median home price: $315,000
A comfortable 3 bedroom home in a solid neighborhood, potentially with recent updates.
Median home price: $320,000
What Does $800,000 Get You?
A spacious 4-5 bedroom home in a desirable neighborhood with a large yard, possibly with upgrades like a pool or finished basement.
Median home price: $315,000
A spacious 4-5 bedroom home in a desirable neighborhood with a large yard, possibly with upgrades like a pool or finished basement.
Median home price: $320,000
Lifestyle & Culture
Chicago, IL
A world-class city with affordable housing by big-city standards, incredible architecture, deep-dish pizza, and a legendary food scene. Winters are brutal but summers along Lake Michigan are unmatched.
Minneapolis, MN
A culturally rich city with exceptional parks, bike infrastructure, and more Fortune 500 companies per capita than any other US city. Brutal winters but vibrant summers with the Chain of Lakes.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Chicago, IL
- Property Tax: State income tax rate of 4.95% affects take-home pay
- Utilities: Average $145/month (below national average)
- Commuting: Lower — walkable city with transit options reduces car dependency
Minneapolis, MN
- Property Tax: State income tax rate of 5.35-9.85% affects take-home pay
- Utilities: Average $130/month (below national average)
- Commuting: Lower — walkable city with transit options reduces car dependency
Job Market Comparison
Chicago, IL
- • Advocate Aurora Health
- • JPMorgan Chase
- • Northwestern Medicine
- • United Airlines
- • Walgreens Boots Alliance
Minneapolis, MN
- • UnitedHealth Group
- • Target
- • Medtronic
- • 3M
- • US Bancorp
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