Alexandria vs Chicago

Category / Metric	Alexandria	Chicago
Financial Overview
Median Income	$47,357	$74,474
Unemployment Rate	4.3%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$220,000	$365,000
Price per SqFt	$104	$261
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$757	$1,507
Housing Cost Index	56.1	110.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	92.0	103.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	639.4	819.0
Bachelor's Degree+	24.2%	45.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	38

Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're trying to decide between the Windy City and a historic gem in the Midwest. This isn't just about picking a spot on a map; it's about choosing a lifestyle, a budget, and a future.

I'm going to lay it all out for you—no fluff, just the hard numbers and the real-world feel. This is your ultimate head-to-head showdown: Chicago vs. Alexandria.

The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Historic Charm

First things first: let's talk about the fundamental difference in DNA here.

Chicago is a world-class metropolis. We're talking about the "City of Big Shoulders" where the skyline is legendary, the food scene is elite, and the energy is palpable. It’s a 24/7 city that feels like it’s always moving. You have world-class museums, pro sports in every league, a lakefront that rivals any ocean, and a transit system that, while aging, gets you across a vast urban landscape. It’s for the person who craves anonymity, endless options, and the feeling of being in the center of everything.

Alexandria is a slice of classic Midwestern life. With a population of just 44,566, it’s a tight-knit community where you might actually know your neighbors. It’s the kind of place where the historic downtown is the main attraction, with locally-owned shops and cafes. It’s a college town (home to the University of Missouri–St. Louis and Lewis and Clark Community College), which lends it a youthful, intellectual energy without the chaos of a major metro. It’s for someone who wants a slower pace, a stronger sense of community, and a break from the relentless grind.

The Bottom Line: Chicago is for the urbanite who wants everything at their doorstep. Alexandria is for the person seeking a balanced, community-focused life with big-city amenities within a short drive.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk about cold, hard cash.

The Cost of Living Table

Category	Chicago	Alexandria	Winner
Median Home Price	$365,000	$220,000	Alexandria
Rent (1BR)	$1,507	$757	Alexandria
Housing Index	110.7	56.1	Alexandria
Median Income	$74,474	$47,357	Chicago
Violent Crime (per 100k)	819.0	639.4	Alexandria
Avg. Winter Temp	21°F	61°F	Alexandria

Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Play

Let's break this down with a real-world scenario. Imagine you earn $100,000 a year.

In Chicago, your $100k feels like $85,000 after adjusting for the higher cost of living (especially housing). Your rent will eat up a significant chunk of your paycheck. That $365,000 median home price is actually a relatively good deal for a major coastal city, but the associated taxes and living expenses still bite. The higher median income ($74,474) reflects the competitive job market, but the "sticker shock" on daily life is real.

In Alexandria, your $100k feels like you're a king or queen. With a median home price of $220,000 and rent at a mere $757, your money stretches incredibly far. The median income is lower ($47,357), which means your six-figure salary puts you in a very comfortable position in the local economy. You can afford a larger home, save more, and live with less financial stress. The Housing Index tells the whole story—Alexandria is more than 50% cheaper to live in when it comes to shelter.

Taxes: Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%. Missouri's is also progressive but generally lower, with a top rate of 4.95% kicking in at a much higher income level. However, the massive difference in housing costs often outweighs the slight tax variance.

Verdict on Purchasing Power: If your goal is to maximize your standard of living and savings, Alexandria wins by a landslide. Chicago is where you go for career opportunities and amenities, but you pay a premium for them.

The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Run?

Chicago: The market is competitive but vast. You have options from high-rise condos in the Loop to single-family homes in the neighborhoods. The $365,000 median price is accessible for a major city, but be prepared for bidding wars in desirable areas. Inventory moves fast. It's a seller's market in the hot neighborhoods, but you can find deals if you're willing to commute a bit. Renting is the norm for many young professionals.

Alexandria: This is where you get serious bang for your buck. The $220,000 median home price is incredibly low for what you get—often a historic house with character and a yard. The market is less frantic. You're more likely to be in a buyer's market, with more time to decide and room to negotiate. The barrier to homeownership is significantly lower, making it an excellent place to put down roots without being house-poor.

The Bottom Line: For buying a home and building equity, Alexandria is the clear winner. Chicago's market is for those whose career demands it or who prioritize urban living over square footage.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Chicago: Traffic is legendary. The "L" and buses are a lifeline, but the system is old and can be unreliable. A commute from the suburbs can easily be an hour each way. Parking is a nightmare and expensive.
Alexandria: Traffic is a non-issue. You can get across town in 10-15 minutes. Most people drive, and commuting to St. Louis (about 25 miles away) is a straight shot on the highway. It's low-stress and predictable.

Weather

Chicago: Brutal winters with an average temp of 21°F, heavy snow, and biting winds off the lake. Summers are hot and humid. It's a city that tests your resilience.
Alexandria: A more moderate climate. Winters are chilly but manageable (61°F is a misnomer for an average; it's a milder winter than Chicago, typically in the 30s/40s). Summers are warm and humid but not as extreme as Chicago. It's a four-season climate without the polar vortex extremes.

Crime & Safety

Chicago: The data shows a violent crime rate of 819.0 per 100k. This is a complex issue; crime is highly concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Many areas, especially on the North Side and in the Loop, are very safe, but you must be neighborhood-aware. It's a city of stark contrasts.
Alexandria: A rate of 639.4 per 100k is lower than Chicago's, but still above the national average. In a small town, crime can feel more personal. However, the overall risk is generally lower, and the community is more tight-knit, which can deter crime. Perception vs. reality is key here.

The Verdict: Who Wins Your Relocation?

This isn't about one city being objectively "better"—it's about the right fit for the right person.

👑 Winner for Families: Alexandria

With significantly lower housing costs, a strong community feel, and a safer environment (based on the data), Alexandria provides a more stable and affordable foundation for raising a family. You can get a larger home, better schools (often in smaller districts), and a slower pace of life.

🏙️ Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Chicago

If you're building a career, crave social options, and want an urban playground, Chicago is unbeatable. The job market is massive, the dating scene is vibrant, and the cultural amenities are endless. You trade affordability for access.

🌅 Winner for Retirees: Alexandria

For those on a fixed income, Alexandria is a financial sanctuary. The low cost of living, especially housing, means retirement savings go much further. The quieter pace and community focus are also big draws for this demographic.

📊 Final Pros & Cons

Chicago: The Urban Powerhouse

Pros:

World-class dining, arts, and culture.
Massive and diverse job market.
Vibrant nightlife and social scene.
Extensive public transit (for a US city).
Stunning lakefront and architecture.

Cons:

High cost of living (especially housing & taxes).
Brutal winters and humid summers.
Traffic and commute headaches.
Concentrated crime requires careful neighborhood selection.
Can feel anonymous and fast-paced.

Alexandria: The Affordable Haven