📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Davie and Chicago
Head-to-Head Analysis
Davie vs Chicago
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Davie | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $82,514 | $74,474 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $531,000 | $365,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $290 | $261 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,621 | $1,507 |
| Housing Cost Index | 156.4 | 110.7 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 102.9 | 103.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.60 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 189.0 | 819.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 37.2% | 45.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 38 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Chicago vs. Davie: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
So, you’re torn between two completely different beasts. On one side, you’ve got Chicago—the Windy City, a massive, gritty, world-class metropolis on the shores of a cold great lake. On the other, Davie, Florida—a sprawling, suburban slice of paradise in the sun-soaked Miami metro area, where ranches and golf courses meet strip malls and palm trees.
This isn't just a choice between two zip codes; it’s a choice between two lifestyles. Are you craving the electric energy of a global city, or do you want a laid-back, car-dependent suburban vibe with eternal summer? Let’s cut through the noise and look at the data, the dollars, and the day-to-day reality to help you decide where to plant your roots.
The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Suburban Sun
Chicago is a powerhouse. It’s the third-largest city in the U.S. with over 2.6 million residents packed into a dense, walkable grid. The culture here is defined by iconic architecture, world-class museums, deep-dish pizza, and a fiercely proud sports scene. 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. The vibe is fast-paced, intellectual, and often brutally honest. It’s for the person who wants everything at their fingertips: theaters, restaurants, public transit, and a skyline that takes your breath away.
Davie, on the other hand, is the epitome of the South Florida suburban dream. With a population of just over 107,000, it feels like a small town by comparison, but it’s deeply connected to the massive Miami-Fort Lauderdale metro. The culture here is casual, outdoorsy, and heavily influenced by Latin American and Caribbean flavors. Think horseback riding trails, sprawling equestrian estates, and a five-minute drive to some of the best beaches in the country. The vibe is relaxed, family-oriented, and car-centric. It’s for the person who prioritizes sunshine, space, and easy access to ocean and water activities over the hustle of a downtown core.
Who is this for?
- Chicago is for the urbanite who thrives on energy, walkability, and cultural depth. It’s for young professionals, families who value city schools and museums, and anyone who doesn’t mind trading snow boots for a heavy winter coat.
- Davie is for the sun-seeker and the space-lover. It’s perfect for families who want a yard, retirees looking for an active lifestyle, and professionals who work remotely or commute to Fort Lauderdale or Miami but want to come home to a quieter, greener environment.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk real purchasing power. We’ll use a baseline of a $100,000 median household income for a fair comparison.
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Davie, FL | The Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $74,474 | $82,514 | Davie |
| Median Home Price | $365,000 | $531,000 | Chicago |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,507 | $1,621 | Chicago |
| Housing Index | 110.7 | 156.4 | Chicago |
| Income Tax | 4.95% Flat | 0% State Income Tax | Davie |
The Salary Wars:
At first glance, Davie’s median income is higher. But let’s dig deeper. Purchasing power is king here.
In Chicago, with a $100,000 salary, you’ll pay about $4,950 in state income tax, leaving you with roughly $95,000. Your rent or mortgage payment will be a smaller slice of that pie. The city’s housing index of 110.7 is above the national average, but it’s a bargain compared to Davie. A $365,000 home is within reach for many middle-class professionals, especially with two incomes.
In Davie, that same $100,000 salary goes further from a tax perspective—you keep the entire $100,000. However, the housing market is punishing. The housing index of 156.4 is brutally high, and the median home price of $531,000 is nearly 45% more expensive than in Chicago. Rent is also slightly higher. While you save on taxes, you’ll likely spend that saving (and more) on housing. The "sunshine tax" in South Florida is very real.
Verdict on Purchasing Power: If your goal is to maximize the square footage you can afford and keep housing costs manageable, Chicago wins hands down. The lower housing costs offset the state income tax for most middle-income earners. If you have a very high income (think $200k+), Davie’s 0% state tax starts to look more attractive, but you’ll still pay a premium for real estate.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Chicago:
The market is competitive but more balanced. With a median home price of $365,000, there’s a wider range of options, from condos in the city to single-family homes in the suburbs. It’s generally a more accessible market for first-time buyers. The rental market is robust, with plenty of inventory, keeping prices relatively stable. You get more bang for your buck in terms of space and location.
Davie:
This is a seller’s market and has been for years. The median home price of $531,000 is steep, and competition is fierce. You’re competing with cash buyers, investors, and a limited inventory of single-family homes with yards. Renting isn’t much easier; the $1,621 average for a 1BR is high for a suburb, and you’ll often be competing against seasonal renters and snowbirds. The "sticker shock" is real here.
Winner for Housing Affordability: Chicago. The data is clear. You can buy a home for nearly $200k less on average, and your rental dollar goes further.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
This is where personal preference overrides data.
Traffic & Commute:
- Chicago: A mixed bag. If you live and work in the city, public transit (the "L") is a game-changer and a major advantage. However, traffic on the Dan Ryan or Kennedy Expressways during rush hour is legendary. Commuting from suburbs can be a grind.
- Davie: Pure car culture. There is no meaningful public transit. You will drive everywhere. Traffic on I-595, I-95, and US-441 can be brutal, especially during snowbird season (Oct-April) and tourist season. Commutes to Miami or Fort Lauderdale can easily be 45-60 minutes each way.
Weather:
- Chicago: Brutal winters with an average low of 21°F and significant snowfall. Summers are beautiful and hot (90°F+), but the spring and fall are glorious. This is a four-season city.
- Davie: Paradise for sun-lovers. The average temperature is a perfect 75°F. However, you must contend with extreme heat and humidity in the summer (think 90°F+ with suffocating humidity), hurricane season (June-November), and the occasional cold front. It’s summer, hot summer, and slightly-less-hot summer.
Crime & Safety:
- Chicago: The data shows a violent crime rate of 819.0 per 100k. This is high and a major concern. However, crime is hyper-local. Some neighborhoods are incredibly safe, while others have significant challenges. You must do your neighborhood research meticulously.
- Davie: The data shows a violent crime rate of 189.0 per 100k. This is significantly lower than Chicago and even below the national average. Davie is widely considered a safe, family-oriented suburb. The trade-off is the lack of urban excitement.
Verdict on Quality of Life:
- For Urban Energy & Walkability: Chicago wins.
- For Safety & Weather (if you hate cold): Davie wins.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins This Showdown?
There is no single "better" city—only the city that's better for you.
Winner for Families: Chicago
While Davie is safe and sunny, Chicago offers more educational diversity (including top-tier public and private schools), world-class cultural institutions (Field Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo), and a more manageable housing budget. The city fosters independence and exposes kids to a global perspective. The trade-off is weather and safety concerns that require active parenting.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Chicago
The data is undeniable. For this demographic, Chicago’s vibrant nightlife, endless networking opportunities, world-class dining, and walkable neighborhoods are unparalleled in this comparison. You can build a social life without a car, and your salary will cover a fun lifestyle more easily than in Davie’s expensive suburbia.
Winner for Retirees: Davie
For retirees, Davie is a clear winner. The 0% state income tax on retirement income is a massive financial advantage. The warm, stable weather eliminates the dangerous winter hazards of Chicago. The pace is slower, the community is active, and access to golf, boating, and beaches is unbeatable. Chicago’s winters are a dealbreaker for most retirees.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
Chicago, IL
Pros:
- Unbeatable Culture: World-class museums, theater, food, and architecture.
- Walkability & Transit: A car is optional in many neighborhoods.
- Affordable Housing (Relative): Median home price of $365,000 is a steal for a major metro.
- Economic Powerhouse: Diverse job market beyond finance and tech.
- Four Seasons: Experience true summer and vibrant autumns.
Cons:
- Brutal Winters: Cold, snow, and gray skies for months.
- High Crime Rate: Requires careful neighborhood selection.
- State Income Tax: 4.95% on all earnings.
- Traffic & Commute: Can be congested and stressful.
Davie, FL
Pros:
- Stunning Weather: Year-round warmth and sunshine (75°F average).
- Low Crime: Violent crime rate of 189/100k is very low.
- 0% State Income Tax: Significant savings, especially for high earners and retirees.
- Outdoor Lifestyle: Easy access to beaches, parks, and equestrian trails.
- Community Feel: Safe, family-friendly suburban vibe.
Cons:
- High Cost of Living: Housing index of 156.4 and median home price of $531,000.
- Car Dependency: Driving is mandatory for daily life.
- Hurricane Risk: Seasonal threat from June-November.
- Humidity & Heat: Summers can be oppressive.
- Lack of Urban Excitement: Quieter, less diverse cultural scene.
The Bottom Line: Choose Chicago if you crave the energy, culture, and affordability of a major city and can handle the winters. Choose Davie if you prioritize sunshine, safety, and a relaxed suburban lifestyle and are prepared to pay a premium for it.