Chicago
US Midwest · United States · North America
Architectural grandeur and blues clubs on a lakefront that turns into a beach all summer.
Chicago is a genuine world-class city at a fraction of coastal prices — stunning architecture, a deep cultural and food scene, lakefront beaches, and real neighborhoods with distinct character. It suits people who want big-city amenities, walkability, and culture without New York or LA rents. The honest tradeoffs are brutal winters, a complicated relationship with crime and segregation across neighborhoods, high taxes, and a population that's been slowly shrinking.
comfortable monthly budget
1-bed rent, good area
Best for
Not for
An unpretentious, neighborhood-proud, sports-loving crowd that's friendlier and more down-to-earth than other big US cities; making friends is relatively easy, and nightlife is excellent and varied — dive bars, jazz, comedy, and a world-class restaurant scene.
Where to land
The scorecard
Tax in United States
The US taxes citizens and green-card holders on worldwide income regardless of where they live, with no escape via relocation alone.
Representative estimate — not tax advice. · source
Make the move to Chicago
Some links are partner links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Is Chicago your place?
Take the 60-second quiz and see how well it actually fits you — and what beats it.
Find my placePhoto via Wikimedia Commons · source