Both Chicago and Detroit offer unique advantages and disadvantages. Chicago provides extensive public transportation and diverse cultural experiences but comes with a higher cost of living and longer commute times. Detroit offers more affordable housing and a recovering job market, but it has a higher crime rate. The best choice depends on individual priorities and preferences.
| Attribute | Chicago City | Detroit City |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 5.7% to 16% higher than the national average; single person needs around $51,600, family needs $54,360 per year to live comfortably | 3.2% higher than the national average (some sources claim 2.7% lower); $54,960/year for a single adult; $4,152.3/month for a family of four (excluding rent); $1,179.7/month for a single person (excluding rent) |
| Job Market Growth Rate | Experiencing growth; Illinois nonfarm employment has seen a 0.5% year-over-year increase as of early 2025; growth in government, private education and health services, and leisure and hospitality; job losses in professional and business services and manufacturing | Recovering economy, driven by development projects and the auto industry; job growth predicted to increase; blue-collar jobs are key drivers through 2027 |
| Average Commute Time | Around 33.5 to 35 minutes; Illinois has the sixth-highest average commute time nationally, at approximately 29.2 minutes | 26.4 minutes (roughly the same as the US average) |
| Public Transportation Options | Extensive public transportation; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) includes buses and "L" trains; Metra is a commuter rail system connecting the suburbs to downtown | DDOT (fixed-route bus), SMART (transit services), QLINE (3.3-mile streetcar, free), People Mover (elevated train), MoGo (bike-sharing) |
| Crime Rate (per 100,000 residents) | Violent crime rate was 673.5 per 100,000 in 2024; homicide rate was 21.1 per 100,000 | Higher than the national average; approximately 66.3 crimes per 1,000 residents (2024); violent crime rate: 20.07 per 1,000; property crime rate: 46.27 per 1,000; violent crime dropped by 10% in 2023; property crimes decreased |
| Quality of Public Schools (rating) | Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is considered an above-average public school district; 17% of students are proficient in math and 20% in reading according to state test scores | Top-rated schools: Warrendale, Claytown, Harmony Village, Southwest Detroit, Bagley |
| Availability of Green Spaces & Parks | Ample parks and recreational areas; Lincoln Park is known for its large park and zoo | Belle Isle Park, Campus Martius Park, Rouge Park, Detroit Riverfront |
| Cultural and Entertainment Venues | Wide array of cultural events and entertainment; known for its museums, theaters, music venues, and comedy clubs | Music scene (Motown, techno), Movement electronic dance music festival, Detroit RiverWalk, Campus Martius Park events, large theater district |
| Healthcare Access and Quality | Healthcare costs are higher than the national average; optometry check-ups cost around $113.83, and a dentist appointment averages $126.00 | Henry Ford Health System, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit Health Department, free and low-cost clinics |
| Housing Market Affordability | Average home value is $315,024; average monthly rent is $2,337 to $2,395 | Top affordable housing market; median list price lower than national median; low percentage of income spent on housing costs |
| Diversity and Inclusion Score | Embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment; various initiatives and organizations focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion | Majority Black or African American population; significant number of Black-owned businesses |
| Walkability Score | Average Walk Score of 77, making it a very walkable city; some neighborhoods, like Lincoln Park and Wicker Park, are particularly walkable | Rivertown is a walkable neighborhood |