New York vs Chicago: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
New York is 65% more expensive than Chicago. New York is 44% safer. New York has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). New York population: 8,584,629. Chicago population: 2,731,585.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: New York vs Chicago
Chicago is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 115 vs 190 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 75 index points.
| Category | New York | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 190 | 115 |
| Housing | $5,340/moIndex: 300 | $2,937/moIndex: 165 |
| Groceries | $472/moIndex: 115 | $431/moIndex: 105 |
| Transportation | $438/moIndex: 125 | $385/moIndex: 110 |
| Healthcare | $358/moIndex: 112 | $336/moIndex: 105 |
| Utilities | $220/moIndex: 100 | $209/moIndex: 95 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: New York vs Chicago
New York is 44% safer overall, with a crime rate of 19.8 per 1,000 residents vs Chicago's 35.5. New York earns a B- safety grade compared to Chicago's D+. Based on 2023 FBI data.
New York
New York
Chicago
Illinois
| Metric | New York | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 19.8/1K | 35.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 380.0 | 750.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1600.0 | 2800.0 |
| Murder Rate | 5.8 | 14.1 |
| Assault Rate | 307.2 | 608.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 78.0 | 120.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 209.6 | 376.8 |
| Theft Rate | 1317.5 | 1938.2 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 222.6 | 674.0 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In New York, you have a 1 in 51 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 28 in Chicago.
Climate: New York vs Chicago
New York Climate Overview
Chicago Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | New York | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 62.7°F | 59.3°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 47.3°F | 42.8°F |
| Annual Rain | 49.0" | 36.9" |
| Annual Snow | 24.8" | 36.1" |
| Comfortable Months | 6 | 5 |
| Freezing Months | 3 | 4 |
Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but Chicago is 8°F colder in winter than New York. Chicago gets significantly more snow (36" vs 25"). New York is wetter with 49" of annual rain compared to 37". New York has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 5).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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