Compare: Chicago, IL and Houston, TX

Chicago IL

102.5

Cost of Living

above US average

2,665,039

Population

36.55

Crime Rate per 1000

above US average

$71,673

Median Income

below US average

$394,250

Median House Price

above US average

$2200

Average Rent

above US average

18%

Poverty Rate

above US average

7.1%

Unemployment Rate

above US average

Houston TX

105.3

Cost of Living

above US average

2,302,878

Population

56.58

Crime Rate per 1000

above US average

$60,440

Median Income

below US average

$285,000

Median House Price

above US average

$1800

Average Rent

above US average

15%

Poverty Rate

above US average

4.8%

Unemployment Rate

above US average

Pros of Chicago

Active arts community
Family-friendly attractions
Diverse food scene
Strong job market in tech
Public transportation access
Lots of parks and outdoor spaces
Rich history and architecture
Good schools in some areas
Plenty of cultural activities
Vibrant nightlife options

Cons of Chicago

Harsh winters with snow
Divided political views
Limited affordable housing
Certain neighborhoods are unsafe
Traffic congestion issues
Expensive cost of living
Homelessness visible in some spots
High taxes impacting residents
High crime rates in certain areas
Public schools are inconsistent

Pros of Houston

Vibrant nightlife options available
Numerous parks and green spaces
Good job market for many fields
Relatively low cost of living
Active arts and music scene
Strong sense of community support
Plenty of family-friendly activities
Great food scene in the city
Warm weather all year round
Diverse culture and activities

Cons of Houston

Reports of high crime rates
Risk of flooding in some areas
Healthcare access can be uneven
High humidity and heat levels
Limited public transportation options
Income inequality in neighborhoods
Some areas show racial tensions
Traffic congestion is frequent
Political divide in local views
Public schools can be lacking