📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Elizabethtown and Chicago
Head-to-Head Analysis
Elizabethtown vs Chicago
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Elizabethtown | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $56,250 | $74,474 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $272,495 | $365,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $133 | $261 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $790 | $1,507 |
| Housing Cost Index | 57.7 | 110.7 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 95.2 | 103.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 250.9 | 819.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 28.3% | 45.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 31 | 38 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Chicago vs. Elizabethtown: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
By Your Relocation Expert & Data Journalist
Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're trying to decide between two cities that are about as different as a deep-dish pizza and a slice of humble pie. On one side, you've got Chicago, the Windy City—a massive, world-class metropolis with a skyline that scrapes the clouds and a vibe that could power a small country. On the other, you have Elizabethtown, Kentucky—a charming, mid-sized Southern hub that feels like a hug from your grandma. It's the "Big City vs. Small Town" debate, but with real data.
This isn't just about feelings; it's about your life, your wallet, and what you actually want to wake up to every day. So, grab your coffee, and let's break down this showdown, category by category.
The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle
Chicago is a beast. It’s a 24/7 global powerhouse of culture, food, and industry. You’re talking about a city with 2.6 million people, a world-class theater scene, legendary museums, and a food scene that ranges from Michelin-starred fine dining to the best hot dog you'll ever have (just don’t ask for ketchup). The vibe is fast-paced, ambitious, and endlessly stimulating. It’s for the person who wants to get lost in the energy, who craves having a thousand options at their fingertips, and who doesn’t mind the hustle. The lakefront is your backyard, and every neighborhood feels like its own tiny city.
Elizabethtown is the polar opposite. With a population of just 31,870, it’s a classic Southern town with a strong sense of community. Life moves at a gentler pace. The vibe is laid-back, friendly, and family-oriented. It’s about porch swings, local festivals, and knowing your neighbors. You’re a short drive from the natural beauty of Mammoth Cave National Park and the cultural hubs of Louisville and Nashville. This is for the person who values space, quiet, and a slower rhythm of life. It’s about quality of life over quantity of experiences.
Who is it for?
- Chicago: The ambitious professional, the culture vulture, the urban adventurer who thrives on diversity and density.
- Elizabethtown: The family-focused individual, the nature lover, the remote worker seeking affordability and a strong community feel.
The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk about what your money actually buys you.
First, the raw data. Note the staggering difference in housing costs—a direct reflection of the population and demand gap.
| Category | Chicago | Elizabethtown | Winner for Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $365,000 | $272,495 | ✅ Elizabethtown |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,507 | $790 | ✅ Elizabethtown |
| Housing Index | 110.7 | 57.7 | ✅ Elizabethtown |
| Median Income | $74,474 | $56,250 | ✅ Chicago |
Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Puzzle
On the surface, Chicago has a $18,000 higher median income. But in Elizabethtown, that income stretches much further. This is the classic "big fish in a small pond" scenario.
Let’s say you earn $100,000. In Chicago, after Illinois's flat income tax (4.95%) and the high cost of living, your purchasing power takes a significant hit. Your $1,507 rent (and that's for a modest 1BR) eats up a huge chunk of your take-home pay. In Elizabethtown, with Kentucky's progressive income tax (capping at 5%) and a $790 rent, you're banking a lot more cash. Your $100k feels more like $150k in terms of lifestyle and savings potential.
The Tax Twist: Illinois has a high overall tax burden, while Kentucky is more moderate. This further erodes the salary advantage in Chicago. For pure buying power, Elizabethtown is the undisputed champion.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Chicago: The Competitive Grind
- Buying: The market is active and competitive, especially in desirable neighborhoods. A $365,000 median price gets you in the game, but be prepared for bidding wars and a fast-paced search. It's a seller's market in most areas.
- Renting: High demand keeps rents elevated. The $1,507 average is just that—an average. In hot areas like Lincoln Park or the West Loop, you'll pay significantly more. Availability can be tight.
Elizabethtown: The Accessible Entry
- Buying: This is where Elizabethtown shines. The median home price is $272,495, and the market is far less frenetic. You get more house for your money—think a 3-bedroom, 2-bath with a yard. It's a much more accessible market for first-time buyers.
- Renting: At $790 for a 1BR, renting is incredibly affordable. It's a great way to test the waters before buying, and the lower cost means saving for a down payment is a realistic goal.
Verdict: For affordability and accessibility in the housing market, Elizabethtown wins hands down. Chicago offers more variety and potential appreciation, but at a steep price.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Chicago: Brutal. The "L" is a lifesaver, but traffic on the Dan Ryan or Kennedy Expressways is legendary. Commutes can easily hit 45-60 minutes one way. Parking is expensive and a nightmare.
- Elizabethtown: A breeze. You can get across town in 10-15 minutes. Traffic is minimal. Parking is free and plentiful. This is a massive quality-of-life win for daily stress levels.
Weather
- Chicago: Winter is no joke. The data shows an average low of 21°F, but wind chills can plunge well below zero. Snow is a fact of life. Summers are glorious, with hot days and cool lake breezes. You get four distinct seasons, but winter is long and harsh.
- Elizabethtown: Much milder. The data shows an average low of 42°F. Winters are cool but rarely severe. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+ is common). You get more mild winters but trade them for sticky summers. If you hate cold, Elizabethtown is the clear choice.
Crime & Safety
Let's be direct and honest. This is a critical factor.
- Chicago: The data is stark. The violent crime rate is 819.0 per 100k. While this is heavily concentrated in specific neighborhoods, the city-wide average is alarming. You must research neighborhoods meticulously. Safety varies block by block.
- Elizabethtown: The data shows a violent crime rate of 250.9 per 100k. This is significantly lower than Chicago and closer to the national average. It feels—and is—much safer on a day-to-day basis.
For safety, Elizabethtown is the clear and undeniable winner.
The Verdict: Who Should Move Where?
After digging into the data and the lifestyle, here’s the final breakdown.
- Winner for Families: Elizabethtown. The combination of lower cost of living, safer environment, more space for your money, and a community-focused vibe is ideal for raising kids. The public schools are solid, and the pace of life reduces parental stress.
- Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Chicago. If you're in your 20s or 30s and your career is your focus, Chicago offers unparalleled networking, social scenes, and cultural opportunities. The energy is contagious. The higher salary potential (in many fields) can offset the costs if you're strategic.
- Winner for Retirees: Elizabethtown. For those on a fixed income, the affordability is a game-changer. The milder winters, lower taxes, and peaceful environment are perfect for a relaxing retirement. Proximity to Louisville healthcare is a plus.
Chicago: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- World-Class Culture: Endless museums, theater, music, and food.
- Career Hub: Massive job market across finance, tech, healthcare, and more.
- Public Transit: The 'L' can get you around without a car (a major money-saver).
- Vibrant Neighborhoods: Each has a unique personality.
- Lakefront Access: Lake Michigan is a stunning urban beach.
Cons:
- Brutal Cost of Living: Especially housing and taxes.
- Harsh Winters: Long, cold, and snowy.
- High Crime: Requires careful neighborhood research and vigilance.
- Traffic & Commutes: Can be soul-crushing.
- Competitive Housing Market: Bidding wars are common.
Elizabethtown: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Extreme Affordability: Your salary stretches incredibly far.
- Safety: Significantly lower crime rates.
- Slower Pace of Life: Less stress, more community.
- Access to Nature: Close to parks, caves, and outdoor activities.
- Easy Commutes: Minimal traffic and parking headaches.
Cons:
- Limited Cultural Scene: You'll drive to Louisville or Nashville for major events.
- Fewer High-Paying Jobs: Career opportunities are more limited.
- Summers Can Be Humid: The heat can be oppressive.
- Smaller Dating Pool: For singles, the options are more limited.
- Less Diversity: The vibe is more homogenous than a major metro.
Final Call: If you're chasing ambition, culture, and don't mind the grind, Chicago is your city. If you're prioritizing affordability, safety, and a balanced life, Elizabethtown offers an incredible bang for your buck. Choose your adventure.