đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Billings and Chicago
Head-to-Head Analysis
Billings vs Chicago
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Billings | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $67,028 | $74,474 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.3% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $368,950 | $365,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $176 | $261 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $874 | $1,507 |
| Housing Cost Index | 73.0 | 110.7 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 94.3 | 103.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 469.8 | 819.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 34.6% | 45.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 27 | 38 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Chicago vs. Billings: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the Windy City—Chicago. A sprawling, iconic metropolis on the shores of Lake Michigan, known for deep-dish pizza, world-class museums, and a skyline that pierces the clouds. On the other side, you have Billings, Montana. The "Magic City" of the West, a rugged, fast-growing hub nestled between stunning red sandstone cliffs and endless big sky country.
Choosing between them isn't just about picking a location; it's about choosing a lifestyle. One is a classic American big city, the other is a gateway to the Great Outdoors. This isn't a fair fight—it’s a clash of completely different worlds. Let’s break it down, head-to-head, to see where you truly belong.
The Vibe Check: Big City Energy vs. Wide-Open Spaces
Chicago is the quintessential "100 MPH" city. It’s a place where ambition thrives, culture is at your fingertips, and the energy is palpable. You can catch a world-class symphony, explore groundbreaking architecture, and grab a legendary hot dog all in one afternoon. The vibe is fast-paced, diverse, and unapologetically urban. It’s for the person who craves endless options, a deep sense of history, and the feeling that something is always happening.
Billings, by contrast, runs on "Mountain Time." Life moves at a more deliberate, grounded pace. The focus here is on the outdoors—hiking, fishing, skiing, and exploring the vast wilderness of Montana. The city has a genuine, no-nonsense, friendly vibe. It’s for the person who values space over skyscrapers, access to nature over access to nightlife, and a strong sense of community over anonymous scale.
- Who is Chicago for? The career-driven professional, the culture vulture, the foodie, and anyone who thrives on the energy of a dense, diverse metropolis.
- Who is Billings for? The outdoor enthusiast, the remote worker seeking a lower cost of living, the family craving a quieter life, and anyone who believes the best entertainment is a sunset over a mountain range.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. At first glance, Billings looks like the clear winner with its low rent, but the story gets more nuanced when you factor in income and taxes.
Chicago has a higher median income ($74,474), but it’s also a high-tax environment. You’ll pay Illinois income tax (a flat 4.95%), high property taxes, and sales tax. Your paycheck gets nibbled at from multiple angles.
Billings has a lower median income ($67,028), but Montana’s income tax is progressive and relatively low, with a top marginal rate of 6.75% kicking in at a much higher income. Most importantly, Montana has no sales tax. That’s a huge deal for everyday purchasing power.
Let's put the cost of living side-by-side.
| Expense Category | Chicago, IL | Billings, MT | The Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $365,000 | $368,950 | Tie (Shockingly close!) |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,507 | $874 | Billings (42% cheaper) |
| Housing Index | 110.7 | 73.0 | Billings (Significantly more affordable) |
| Utilities | Higher (Heating in winter) | Moderate (Heating & cooling) | Billings |
| Groceries | ~15% above nat'l avg | ~5% above nat'l avg | Billings |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
If you earn $100,000 in Chicago, your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes is roughly $72,000. Your rent alone ($1,507/mo or $18,084/yr) consumes about 25% of your take-home.
If you earn $100,000 in Billings, your take-home is roughly $74,500 (due to lower state taxes). Your rent ($874/mo or $10,488/yr) consumes only 14% of your take-home.
Verdict: Billings. While housing prices are nearly identical, the dramatically lower rent and lack of sales tax mean your dollar goes significantly further. The "sticker shock" is real in Chicago, and your purchasing power is stronger in Montana, even with a slightly lower median income.
The Housing Market: Buying In vs. Renter's Paradise
Chicago is a massive, established market. It’s a renter’s dream in many neighborhoods, with endless options from classic walk-ups to luxury high-rises. Buying is possible, but property taxes are notoriously high and can be a dealbreaker. It’s a competitive market, but with over 2.6 million people, there’s always a place to find.
Billings is a different beast. It’s a smaller market with limited inventory, which can make buying competitive. However, with a Housing Index of 73.0, it’s objectively more affordable. The median home price is virtually the same as Chicago’s, but you get more square footage and land for your money. It’s a seller’s market with rising demand, but the entry point is more accessible.
- For Renters: Chicago offers more variety and choice.
- For Buyers: Billings offers better value and lower ongoing costs (taxes, insurance).
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
Chicago is infamous for its traffic. The "L" (elevated train) is a lifesaver, but driving is a test of patience. Commutes can easily hit 45-60 minutes. Parking is expensive and scarce.
Billings traffic is a non-issue. You can cross town in 15 minutes. Commutes are short, and parking is free and plentiful. The trade-off? You’ll need a car. Public transit is limited.
Winner: Billings. The time and stress saved on daily commutes is a massive quality-of-life boost.
Weather
Chicago winters are brutal. The average January low is 21°F, but the "wind chill" can make it feel dangerously cold. Summers are hot and humid, often hitting 90°F+ with high humidity. It’s a city of extremes.
Billings has a high-desert climate. Winters are cold (48°F avg, but can dip below zero) but often sunny and dry. Summers are warm and dry, rarely humid. The "Big Sky Country" sun is a real thing.
Winner: Billings (for most). While Chicago has four distinct seasons, the harsh, gray, windy winters are a major drawback. Billings offers more sunshine year-round and less oppressive humidity in summer.
Crime & Safety
This is a critical, honest comparison. The data doesn’t lie.
- Chicago Violent Crime Rate: 819.0 incidents per 100,000 people.
- Billings Violent Crime Rate: 469.8 incidents per 100,000 people.
Both cities have crime, and it’s concentrated in specific neighborhoods. However, Chicago’s rate is significantly higher. Safety is a top priority for most, and statistically, you are safer in Billings.
Winner: Billings. The data is clear. While Chicago is safe in many areas, the city-wide average is higher.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins?
This isn't about which city is "better"—it's about which city is better for you.
🏆 Winner for Families: Billings
- Why: The combination of lower cost of living, safer environment, shorter commutes, and unparalleled access to outdoor activities (hiking, skiing, fishing) makes it an ideal place to raise kids. The community feel is stronger, and the space is liberating.
🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Chicago
- Why: The career opportunities are unmatched. The networking, cultural scene, nightlife, and sheer diversity of people and experiences are what young professionals crave. The higher salary potential offsets the higher cost, and the city’s energy is a catalyst for growth.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Billings
- Why: Lower taxes, affordable housing (especially if you’re downsizing from a more expensive market), safe environment, and a slower pace of life are perfect for retirement. The access to nature promotes an active, healthy lifestyle, and the cost of living allows savings to stretch further.
Final Pros & Cons Breakdown
Chicago, IL
PROS
- World-Class Culture: Museums, theater, music, and food scene are top-tier.
- Economic Powerhouse: Endless job opportunities across diverse industries.
- Public Transit: The "L" system is extensive and reduces car dependency.
- Diversity & Vibe: A true melting pot with a rich, vibrant urban energy.
CONS
- High Cost of Living: Especially rent, taxes, and parking.
- Brutal Winters: Cold, windy, and gray for months.
- Traffic & Commutes: Can be soul-crushing.
- Higher Crime Rates: Statistically higher than the national average.
Billings, MT
PROS
- Affordability: Lower rent, no sales tax, and more house for your money.
- Outdoor Access: Gateway to Yellowstone, hiking, skiing, and endless adventure.
- Short Commutes & Easy Living: Stress-free traffic and a relaxed pace.
- Safety: Lower violent crime rate than Chicago.
CONS
- Limited Job Market: Fewer corporate headquarters and specialized industries.
- Isolation: Far from other major cities; airfare can be expensive.
- Cultural Limitations: Fewer museums, theaters, and diverse dining options.
- Car Dependency: You need a vehicle for almost everything.
The Bottom Line: Choose Chicago if you’re chasing career ambition, cultural depth, and the thrill of the big city. Choose Billings if you’re prioritizing affordability, safety, space, and a life centered around the great outdoors. Your wallet and your lifestyle will thank you for making the right choice.