Bennington CDP vs Chicago

Category / Metric	Bennington CDP	Chicago
Financial Overview
Median Income	$53,839	$74,474
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$185,100	$365,000
Price per SqFt	$null	$261
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,343	$1,507
Housing Cost Index	123.6	110.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	105.3	103.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	173.3	819.0
Bachelor's Degree+	35.1%	45.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	38

Chicago vs. Bennington CDP: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one path lies the Windy City—a sprawling, world-class metropolis that never sleeps. On the other, a quiet, unassuming dot on the map called Bennington CDP.

This isn't just a choice between two zip codes; it's a choice between two entirely different lives. Are you craving the electric buzz of a major city, or the deep peace of a small town? Do you want endless options, or a tight-knit community?

Let's cut through the noise. As your relocation expert, I'm here to give you the unvarnished truth, backed by data and a healthy dose of real-world perspective. We'll break down the vibe, the dollars, the housing, and the dealbreakers to see which city truly deserves your ticket.

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The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back Town

Chicago is a giant. With a population of 2.66 million, it’s the third-largest city in the U.S. The energy is palpable. It’s a 24/7 city of iconic architecture, world-class museums, deep-dish pizza, and a legendary sports culture. You can get any type of food at 2 a.m., find a niche community for any hobby, and have a different adventure every weekend. It’s for the go-getter who craves stimulation, opportunity, and anonymity in a crowd. If you're a young professional, an artist, a foodie, or a career-driven individual, Chicago is calling your name.

Bennington CDP, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air—literally. With a tiny population of 8,888, it’s a classic American small town. The vibe is quiet, neighborly, and rooted in community. Life moves at a slower, more deliberate pace. You know your neighbors, shop at local stores, and likely have more space and nature at your doorstep. It’s for the settler who values tranquility, safety, and a strong sense of place over the constant hum of a city. This is the spot for families seeking a safe upbringing, retirees looking for peace, or anyone who wants to escape the urban grind.

The Verdict: If you thrive on energy and options, Chicago wins. If you crave peace and community, Bennington takes it.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk cold, hard cash. We'll assume a hypothetical salary of $100,000 to see the purchasing power in each location.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Category	Chicago	Bennington CDP	The Takeaway
Median Income	$74,474	$53,839	Chicago has higher earning potential, but also a higher cost base.
Median Home Price	$365,000	$185,100	Bennington is 49% cheaper for buying a home. A massive dealbreaker for buyers.
Rent (1BR)	$1,507	$1,343	Surprisingly close, but Chicago is still ~12% more expensive.
Housing Index	110.7	123.6	Wait, what? This seems counterintuitive. Bennington's index is higher, likely due to its specific, limited market dynamics (low supply) vs. Chicago's massive, liquid market. For a buyer, the raw home price is the clearer signal.
Utilities & Groceries	Generally 15-20% higher than national average.	Closer to or slightly below national average.	Your monthly bills for food, gas, and electricity will be noticeably lighter in Bennington.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let's break down that $100,000 salary.

• In Chicago: After taxes (including IL state income tax), you're taking home roughly $74,000. Your rent for a decent 1BR is $1,507/month, or $18,084/year. That's about 24% of your after-tax income on rent alone. You have money for fun, but you're not saving for a down payment on a $365,000 home anytime soon without serious budgeting.
• In Bennington: After taxes (assuming a typical state income tax structure), your take-home is similar, maybe $76,000. Your rent is $1,343/month ($16,116/year), eating up only 21% of your income. More importantly, that $185,100 home price is dramatically more attainable. Your purchasing power for housing is nearly double.

Taxes: Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%. Bennington's state (likely New Hampshire or Vermont, given the name) has its own structure—NH has no income tax but high property taxes, while VT has a progressive income tax. You'll need to dig deeper into local property tax rates, but the home price difference is so stark it often outweighs other tax nuances.

The Verdict: For pure housing affordability and purchasing power, Bennington CDP is the clear winner. Chicago offers higher salaries, but the cost of living, especially for housing, devours that advantage.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & The Competition

Chicago: It's a renter's and buyer's market, but with caveats. The inventory is vast. You can find everything from a luxury high-rise condo to a vintage walk-up. Competition exists in trendy neighborhoods, but overall, you have choices. Renting is a practical way to live in the city without the commitment. Buying is a major investment, but the market is relatively stable with slow, steady appreciation.

Bennington CDP: This is a seller's market. With a tiny population, inventory is extremely limited. When a house goes on the market, it often sells quickly, sometimes above asking price. The low median home price is deceptive—you might face bidding wars for the few available properties. Renting is also challenging due to low supply. You're not just buying a house; you're buying into a scarce commodity.

The Verdict: For ease and choice, Chicago wins. For potential long-term equity (if you can get in), Bennington has the lower entry point, but the buying process itself is more competitive and stressful.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Chicago: Infamous. The "L" train is a lifesaver, but driving is a nightmare. Commutes can easily hit 45-60 minutes in congestion. If you work downtown, public transit is your best friend.
• Bennington CDP: A non-issue. You can get across town in 5-10 minutes. The biggest traffic jam is behind a tractor. A car is a necessity, but commutes are short and stress-free.

Weather

• Chicago: Brutal winters. Average winter lows are around 21°F, with lake-effect snow, biting winds, and gray skies for months. Summers are hot and humid. It's a city built for enduring seasons.
• Bennington CDP: More moderate, but still seasonal. An average of 45°F suggests a climate with true winters (likely New England), but perhaps milder than Chicago's extreme lows. You'll still need a snowblower, but the overall feel is less extreme.

Crime & Safety

• Chicago: A complex picture. The violent crime rate of 819.0 per 100k is undeniably high and a major concern. However, this is heavily concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Many parts of the city (especially the North Side, suburbs) are very safe. It requires street smarts and neighborhood research.
• Bennington CDP: Statistically very safe. A violent crime rate of 173.3 per 100k is dramatically lower—about 5 times safer than Chicago. In a small town, crime is often limited to property issues. The peace of mind is a significant quality-of-life factor.

The Verdict: For commute ease and safety, Bennington is the undisputed champion. For weather, it's a toss-up—Chicago's winters are famously harsh, but Bennington's are still cold. Chicago's weather is a known quantity; Bennington's might be a slight improvement.

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The Final Verdict: Who Should Move Where?

After weighing the data and the lifestyle factors, here’s the bottom line.

Winner for Families: Bennington CDP

• Why: Safety is paramount for kids. The lower crime rate is a massive advantage. The community feel, shorter commutes, and more affordable housing (for a single-family home) create a stable, nurturing environment. The trade-off is fewer amenities and schools that may lack the resources of a large urban district.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Chicago

• Why: Your career, social life, and dating pool will be exponentially larger. The energy, networking opportunities, and sheer number of things to do are unmatched. You can rent, live in a vibrant neighborhood, and build your career without being tied down. The higher cost is the price of admission for an urban adventure.

Winner for Retirees: Bennington CDP

• Why: Peace, safety, and a slower pace of life are the holy grail for retirees. The lower cost of living extends fixed incomes further. You can enjoy nature, local community events, and a quiet environment. Chicago's bustle, noise, and high costs can be overwhelming in retirement.

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Pros & Cons Snapshots

Chicago

Pros:

• Unmatched amenities: World-class dining, culture, sports, and entertainment.
• Job market: Diverse and robust, with high earning potential.
• Public transit: The 'L' system is extensive and car-optional in many areas.
• Cultural diversity: A true melting pot of people and experiences.

Cons:

• High cost of living: Especially for housing and taxes.
• Violent crime: A real and serious issue that requires careful neighborhood selection.
• Harsh winters: Long, cold, and gray seasons can be depressing.
• Traffic and congestion: A daily grind for drivers.

Bennington CDP

Pros:

• Extreme affordability: Low home prices and reasonable rent.
• High safety: Dramatically lower crime rates than a major city.
• Peace and quiet: Slow pace, minimal traffic, strong community.
• Nature access: Likely more green space and outdoor recreation nearby.

Cons:

• Limited amenities: Fewer restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.
• Fewer job opportunities: Likely a smaller, less diverse job market.
• Housing market competition: Low inventory can make buying difficult.
• Isolation: Can feel remote if you're used to city life; may require longer drives for specialized services.

The Choice is Yours: If your heart beats for the rhythm of the city, Chicago is your stage. If you're seeking a simpler, safer, and more affordable life rooted in community, Bennington CDP is your sanctuary. There's no wrong answer—only the right fit for your chapter.