Ankeny vs Chicago

Category / Metric	Ankeny	Chicago
Financial Overview
Median Income	$105,862	$74,474
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$323,500	$365,000
Price per SqFt	$214	$261
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$787	$1,507
Housing Cost Index	86.1	110.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.1	103.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	301.8	819.0
Bachelor's Degree+	—	45.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	31	38

Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between Chicago and Ankeny.

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Chicago vs. Ankeny: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. One path leads to the Windy City—a sprawling, iconic metropolis with deep-dish pizza, skyline views, and an energy that hums 24/7. The other leads to Ankeny, Iowa—a fast-growing suburb of Des Moines that’s quietly becoming a magnet for families and professionals looking for a different kind of American dream.

Choosing between them isn't just about picking a dot on a map; it's about picking a lifestyle. Are you chasing the hustle, the culture, and the sheer volume of options? Or are you craving space, safety, and a bank account that breathes a little easier?

Let’s break it down, data point by data point, to help you decide where to plant your roots.

The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Suburban Sanctuary

Chicago is the heavyweight champion of the Midwest. It’s a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality—from the historic brownstones of Lincoln Park to the trendy lofts of the West Loop. Life here is fast, diverse, and unapologetically urban. You don’t own a car here; you master the ‘L’ train and the bus system. The culture is world-class, with museums, theaters, and a food scene that will blow your mind. It’s for the person who wants to feel connected to a global city without the price tag of New York or LA.

Ankeny is the definition of a classic, modern American suburb. It’s clean, orderly, and family-oriented. Life revolves around community events, high school sports, and sprawling parks. It’s a place where you drive everywhere, parking is never an issue, and your backyard is a legitimate space for a grill and a playset. Ankeny is for the person who wants a peaceful home base, a strong sense of community, and easy access to the amenities of a mid-sized city (Des Moines) without the chaos of a major one.

• Chicago is for: Urbanites, culture vultures, foodies, and those who thrive on energy and anonymity.
• Ankeny is for: Families, first-time homebuyers, and professionals seeking a high quality of life with a low-stress footprint.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?

This is where the data gets dramatic. It’s not just about what you earn; it’s about what your money can buy. Let’s look at the raw numbers.

Cost of Living: A Tale of Two Economies

Expense Category	Chicago	Ankeny	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$365,000	$323,500	Ankeny wins, but the gap is smaller than you'd think.
Rent (1BR)	$1,507	$787	Ankeny is 48% cheaper. This is a massive win for renters.
Housing Index	110.7	86.1	Chicago is 28% above the national average; Ankeny is 14% below.
Median Income	$74,474	$105,862	Ankeny households earn $31k more on average.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Let’s run a scenario. If you earn $100,000 in Chicago, after taxes (IL has a flat 4.95% income tax), you take home roughly $76,000. Your rent alone ($1,507/mo) eats up $18,084 of that, or 24% of your post-tax income. That’s a significant chunk before you even buy groceries or pay for utilities.

Now, take that same $100,000 salary to Ankeny. Iowa has a progressive income tax, but for a single filer, you’d pay about 5.5%, taking home around $75,000. Your rent ($787/mo) is $9,444 for the year—a mere 12.6% of your post-tax income. You’re effectively freeing up $8,640 more per year just by moving. That’s a car payment, a vacation, or a massive boost to your retirement savings.

The Verdict on Dollars: Ankeny is the undisputed champion for purchasing power. The combination of higher median incomes and drastically lower housing costs means your money goes significantly further. You get more house, more space, and more financial breathing room.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Chicago:
The Chicago housing market is competitive but segmented. You’re looking at a Housing Index of 110.7, meaning it’s more expensive than the national average. Renting is the default for many, and the rental market is fierce. Buying is a different beast—you’re often buying into older housing stock that requires maintenance, or in desirable neighborhoods, you’ll face bidding wars. It’s a seller’s market in the popular areas, with inventory moving fast.

Ankeny:
Ankeny’s Housing Index of 86.1 paints a very different picture. It’s a buyer’s market with more inventory and less competition. You can find a modern, suburban home with a yard for $323,500—a price that might get you a cramped condo in a less desirable Chicago neighborhood. The market is driven by new construction and family-friendly developments. For first-time buyers, Ankeny offers a much more accessible entry point.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Chicago: Commuting is a way of life. The average commute time is ~35 minutes, but that can easily stretch to an hour during rush hour on the Dan Ryan or Kennedy Expressways. Public transit is a lifesaver but can be crowded and subject to delays. Parking in the city is notoriously expensive and scarce.
• Ankeny: Commute times are short. You’re looking at a 15-20 minute drive to downtown Des Moines. Traffic jams are rare, and parking is free and plentiful everywhere. The stress level of daily travel is exponentially lower.

Weather: The Brutal Truth

Let’s be real: both cities have harsh winters. The data shows Chicago averages 21.0°F in January, while Ankeny is slightly milder at 27.0°F. But Chicago’s “Lake Effect” snow can dump massive amounts, and the wind off the lake makes the cold feel bone-chilling. Ankeny’s winters are cold and snowy, but without the lake’s amplification. Summers in Chicago can be humid and hot, but Ankeny shares that Midwestern humidity. If you hate winter, neither is your paradise, but Ankeny’s winters are marginally less severe.

Crime & Safety: The Hard Numbers

This is a critical category where the data is stark.

• Chicago: The violent crime rate is 819.0 per 100,000 people. This is a major consideration. Crime is highly concentrated in certain neighborhoods, but it remains a city-wide concern that impacts daily decisions, from where you walk at night to securing your home and vehicle.
• Ankeny: The violent crime rate is 301.8 per 100,000 people. This is less than half of Chicago’s rate and aligns with the national average for a suburban community. The sense of safety is palpable, especially for families with children.

The Safety Verdict: Ankeny is statistically and perceptively safer. If safety is your top priority, this is a dealbreaker.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Each Category?

After weighing the data and the lifestyle factors, here’s how they stack up.

Winner for Families: Ankeny

Why: The trifecta of safety (301.8 vs. 819.0 violent crime rate), space (lower cost for larger homes), and community is undeniable. With a higher median income ($105,862) and a lower cost of living, families can build wealth faster. The school districts are strong, and the environment is geared toward raising children.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Chicago

Why: For career growth, networking, and social life, Chicago is in a different league. The sheer density of industries (finance, tech, law, arts) offers unparalleled opportunities. The dating scene, nightlife, and cultural amenities are vast. While expensive, the energy and options are worth the trade-off for many in this demographic.

Winner for Retirees: Ankeny

Why: This is a close call, but Ankeny edges it out for most retirees. Lower property taxes, a lower cost of living, and a safer environment are huge draws. While Chicago offers world-class healthcare and cultural activities, the daily grind of traffic, crime, and harsh winters can be taxing. Ankeny offers peace, stability, and a community feel that many retirees cherish.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Chicago: Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • World-Class Culture: Museums, theater, music, and food scene are top-tier.
  • Public Transit: One of the best systems in the U.S., making car ownership optional.
  • Career Opportunities: A massive, diverse job market across multiple industries.
  • Vibrant Energy: Always something to do, see, or experience.
• Cons:
  • High Cost of Living: Especially housing and parking.
  • Crime Rates: A significant concern that varies by neighborhood.
  • Harsh Winters: Brutal cold and snow, exacerbated by wind.
  • Traffic & Commutes: Can be long and stressful.

Ankeny: Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Affordability: Lower housing costs and a higher median income create excellent purchasing power.
  • Safety: Statistically much safer than Chicago.
  • Family-Friendly: Great schools, parks, and community events.
  • Easy Commute: Short drives to Des Moines with minimal traffic.
• Cons:
  • Limited Culture/ nightlife: Far fewer options for dining, arts, and entertainment.
  • Car Dependency: You will need a car for almost everything.
  • Less Diversity: The demographic and cultural scene is less varied than a major metro.
  • "Small-Town" Feel: Can feel limiting if you crave the anonymity and buzz of a big city.

The Bottom Line

This isn't about which city is objectively "better." It's about which city is better for you.

• Choose Chicago if you value career opportunities, cultural immersion, and urban energy above all else. You're willing to pay a premium in cost and crime for the privilege of living in a world-class city.
• Choose Ankeny if you value financial freedom, safety, space, and a family-oriented community. You're willing to trade the 24/7 buzz of a metropolis for a quieter, more manageable, and financially rewarding lifestyle.

Look at your bank account, your career goals, and what you need to feel happy and secure. The data is clear, but only you can know which path feels like home.