🇺🇸 Chicago vs 🇺🇸 Los Angeles
United States vs United States — relocation comparison
Settler Essentials
Chicago vs Los Angeles: The Short Version
- •Rent is 1% cheaper in Chicago ($2409/mo vs $2433/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Los Angeles (28°C vs 27°C).
- •Los Angeles is safer by homicide rate (7.5 vs 18.2 per 100k).
Chicago vs Los Angeles — Common Questions
Is Chicago cheaper than Los Angeles?▾
Chicago is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $2409/month in Chicago vs $2433/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Chicago or Los Angeles?▾
Los Angeles is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Chicago has a rate of 18.20 per 100,000 and Los Angeles has 7.50 per 100,000.
Should I move to Chicago or Los Angeles?▾
Los Angeles edges ahead on most metrics. Chicago isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.
Is it easier to get residency in Chicago or Los Angeles?▾
Chicago: US Employment-Based Green Card (complex process, Permanent residence). Los Angeles: US Employment-Based Green Card (complex process, Permanent residence). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
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