Biddeford vs Chicago

Category / Metric	Biddeford	Chicago
Financial Overview
Median Income	$69,794	$74,474
Unemployment Rate	3.2%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$460,000	$365,000
Price per SqFt	$316	$261
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,139	$1,507
Housing Cost Index	119.6	110.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	96.6	103.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	108.6	819.0
Bachelor's Degree+	30.4%	45.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	38	38

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

So, you're stuck between two cities that are about as different as a deep-dish pizza and a lobster roll. On one side, you've got Chicago, the Windy City—a massive, bustling metropolis of 2.6 million people with world-class museums, a legendary food scene, and a skyline that takes your breath away. On the other, you have Biddeford, a charming coastal city in southern Maine with a population of just 22,463, known for its historic mills, proximity to the ocean, and a pace of life that feels a world away from big-city chaos.

Choosing between them isn't just about picking a place to live; it's about choosing a lifestyle. One is a fast-paced career engine with a gritty, beautiful edge. The other is a peaceful retreat with a tight-knit community and access to stunning natural beauty. Let's break it down, head-to-head, to see which one is the right fit for you.

The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Coastal Calm

Chicago is the quintessential big-city experience. It’s a 24/7 powerhouse of culture, commerce, and Midwestern pride. The vibe is electric, ambitious, and unapologetically loud. You can get world-class theater, sports (hello, the Cubs and Bears), and a food scene that rivals any global capital. It’s a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality—from the historic brownstones of Lincoln Park to the vibrant art scene in Wicker Park. If you thrive on energy, opportunity, and the feeling of being at the center of it all, Chicago is calling your name. It's for the career-driven professional, the foodie, the arts lover, and anyone who says they "sleep when they're dead."

Biddeford is the polar opposite. This is a coastal New England city that has undergone a renaissance, transforming its historic mill buildings into trendy apartments, breweries, and restaurants. The vibe here is laid-back, historic, and deeply connected to the water. Life revolves around the Saco River, the Atlantic coastline, and a close-knit community. It’s peaceful, scenic, and offers a slower, more intentional pace. You’ll find farmers' markets, kayaking on the river, and quiet streets where neighbors know each other. Biddeford is perfect for those who prioritize work-life balance, love the outdoors (especially the ocean), and want a sense of community over constant stimulation. It's for the artist, the remote worker, the retiree, and anyone looking to escape the concrete jungle.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?

Let's talk money. At first glance, the numbers might surprise you.

Table: Cost of Living Snapshot

Category	Chicago	Biddeford	The Takeaway
Median Income	$74,474	$69,794	Chicago edges out Biddeford slightly.
Median Home Price	$365,000	$460,000	Biddeford is more expensive to buy.
Rent (1BR)	$1,507	$1,139	Biddeford is more affordable to rent.
Housing Index	110.7	119.6	Biddeford's housing is more expensive relative to national average.

Here’s the shocker: Biddeford has a higher median home price than Chicago. While Chicago is a massive city, its housing stock is vast and varied, keeping the median price relatively reasonable. Biddeford, a smaller coastal city, is experiencing high demand from remote workers and those priced out of Portland, driving prices up.

But the rent tells a different story. A 1-bedroom in Biddeford will cost you about $1,139 a month, while in Chicago, you're looking at $1,507. That’s a $368/month difference, or over $4,400 a year saved on rent alone.

The Purchasing Power Verdict:
If you earn $100,000, your money will likely go further in Chicago for one simple reason: housing choice. You can find a stylish apartment in a great neighborhood for under $1,800. In Biddeford, your housing options are more limited, and you might feel the "coastal premium" on housing costs. However, your $100k in Biddeford will feel more comfortable because your daily expenses (like groceries, transportation, and entertainment) are generally lower, and you won’t have the same level of big-city taxes and fees.

Tax Talk: Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%, while Maine has a progressive income tax system that tops out at 7.15%. For a high earner, Illinois might be a better bet tax-wise. However, Maine has no sales tax on clothing and food for home consumption, which can save you money on daily essentials.

Bottom Line: Biddeford wins for affordable rent, but Chicago offers more purchasing power and housing flexibility at a higher income level.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & Market Competition

Chicago:

• Renting: It's a renter's market with endless options. You can find a classic walk-up, a high-rise with lake views, or a modern loft. Competition exists in popular neighborhoods, but the sheer volume of units means you have leverage.
• Buying: The market is competitive but accessible. With a median price of $365,000, you can get a lot of space for your money compared to coastal cities. The market is balanced, with a healthy inventory of single-family homes, condos, and multi-unit buildings. It's a great place for first-time buyers looking to build equity.

Biddeford:

• Renting: The rental market is tight and growing. New developments are happening, but demand from people fleeing Portland and Boston is high. You’ll find renovated mill lofts and single-family homes, but options are limited compared to a big city. Expect competition.
• Buying: This is a seller's market. The median home price of $460,000 is steep for the region, and homes sell quickly. Bidding wars are common, especially for properties in the historic downtown or near the coast. It’s a tough market for buyers without a significant down payment.

Verdict: For renters, Chicago offers more choice. For buyers, Chicago is more accessible and less cutthroat.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors

Traffic & Commute

Chicago: Infamous. The "L" is a lifesaver, but driving is a nightmare. Commute times can be brutal, with congestion rivaling any major U.S. city. If you can live and work near public transit, it's manageable. If you need to drive, prepare for long, stressful commutes.
Biddeford: A breath of fresh air. The city is small and walkable. Commutes are short—if you work in Biddeford, Portland (a 20-minute drive), or even Boston (a 1.5-hour drive), it's very reasonable. Traffic is minimal.

Weather

Chicago: Brutal winters are a defining feature. The average winter low is 21°F, with biting winds, heavy snow, and gray skies for months. Summers are hot and humid, with temps often hitting 90°F. You need to love all four seasons to thrive here.
Biddeford: Classic New England weather. Cold, snowy winters (often longer than Chicago's) and beautiful, mild summers. The ocean moderates temperatures, but you still deal with Nor'easters and snow. It’s less windy than Chicago but can be damp and gray. The weather is a major factor for retirees and those with seasonal affective disorder.

Crime & Safety

This is a critical, honest look at the data.

• Chicago: The data shows a violent crime rate of 819.0 per 100,000 people. This is significantly higher than the national average. While media often sensationalizes crime, the reality is that safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Some areas are incredibly safe and family-friendly, while others face serious challenges. You must be neighborhood-savvy.
• Biddeford: With a violent crime rate of 108.6 per 100,000 people, Biddeford is one of the safer cities in the U.S. The small population and community-focused environment contribute to this. While no place is immune to crime, your day-to-day safety concerns here are far lower.

Verdict: For safety and commute, Biddeford is the clear winner. For weather, it's a personal preference, but both have harsh winters. Biddeford's winters might be marginally less windy but often snowier.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Where?

After breaking down the data, the culture, and the lifestyle, here’s the final showdown.

Winner for Families: Chicago

While Biddeford is safe and has a strong community, Chicago offers an unparalleled combination of top-tier public and private schools, endless family activities (museums, parks, zoos), and diverse neighborhoods that can cater to a family's every need. The housing affordability for a single-family home is a major plus, and the cultural exposure for kids is immense. The trade-off is managing safety and navigating a larger, more complex city.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Chicago

The career opportunities, social scene, and energy of Chicago are unmatched. You can build a powerful professional network, enjoy a vibrant nightlife, and explore world-class culture. The ability to live in a dynamic neighborhood without a car (thanks to public transit) is a huge advantage. Biddeford, while charming, can feel limiting for a young person seeking constant action and diverse dating/social pools.

Winner for Retirees: Biddeford

For retirees, Biddeford wins hands-down. The lower overall pace, stunning natural beauty, access to the coast, and strong sense of community are ideal for a peaceful retirement. The safety and walkability are major draws. While Chicago has great retirement amenities, the harsh winters, higher crime rates, and sheer chaos can be more taxing in later years.

Final Thoughts: Your Lifestyle, Your Choice

Chicago Pros:

• World-class culture, food, and entertainment.
• Vast job market and career opportunities.
• Diverse, distinct neighborhoods with character.
• Excellent public transit (if you live near it).
• More affordable home buying than coastal cities.
• Cons: High crime in some areas, brutal winters, brutal traffic, high cost of living overall.

Biddeford Pros:

• Extremely safe community.
• Stunning natural beauty (coast, rivers, forests).
• Short commutes and minimal traffic.
• Charming, historic downtown with a growing arts scene.
• Lower stress, peaceful pace of life.
• Cons: Harsh, long winters, limited job market (outside of Portland/Boston commute), housing market is expensive and competitive, fewer big-city amenities.

The Bottom Line: Choose Chicago if your priority is career growth, cultural immersion, and the energy of a global city. You're trading safety and comfort for opportunity and excitement. Choose Biddeford if your priority is safety, peace, nature, and community. You're trading big-city amenities for a higher quality of life and a slower pace. It's not about which city is "better"—it's about which one fits the life you want to live.