Category / Metric	Great Falls	Chicago
Financial Overview
Median Income	$63,934	$74,474
Unemployment Rate	3.3%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$299,000	$365,000
Price per SqFt	$163	$261
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$745	$1,507
Housing Cost Index	100.0	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+	28.3%	45.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	36	38

Chicago vs. Great Falls: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

By Your Relocation Expert & Data Journalist

Choosing between Chicago and Great Falls isn't just picking a city—it's choosing two completely different worlds. One is a sprawling, gritty metropolis on the shores of Lake Michigan; the other is a rugged, mid-sized city in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. The stakes are high, and the wrong choice could mean years of regret.

So, let's cut through the noise. Forget the glossy brochures. We're going deep on the data, the lifestyle, and the real-world trade-offs. Grab a coffee, and let's figure out where you truly belong.

The Vibe Check: Two Worlds, One Decision

Chicago: The City That Never Sleeps (But Might Want To)
Chicago is a beast. With a population of 2.6 million, it’s a global hub for finance, tech, and the arts. The vibe is electric, demanding, and unapologetically loud. Think deep-dish pizza, iconic architecture, world-class museums, and a brutal winter that tests your soul. It's a city for hustlers, culture vultures, and anyone who thrives on the energy of millions of people crammed into a single grid.

Who it's for: Young professionals chasing career opportunities, foodies, art lovers, and those who find comfort in the anonymity and endless options of a major city. If you need a city that feels like it's moving forward at all times, this is your spot.

Great Falls: The Gateway to the Frontier
Great Falls is a different beast entirely. With a population of just 60,412, it's a hub for Montana's agriculture, military (Malmstrom Air Force Base), and outdoor recreation. The vibe is laid-back, community-focused, and defined by the vast, open landscapes that surround it. Think big skies, fly fishing, hiking, and a pace of life that lets you actually hear the wind. It’s a city where your neighbors know your name, and the biggest traffic jam is a tractor on the highway.

Who it's for: Outdoor enthusiasts, families seeking a simpler, safer life, retirees craving peace and quiet, and remote workers who want a low cost of living without sacrificing city amenities. If you value space, nature, and a strong sense of community over 24/7 nightlife, Great Falls is calling your name.

The Dollar Power: Where Your Money Actually Goes

Let's talk numbers. We're comparing the cost of living head-to-head, but the real story is purchasing power. How far does your salary stretch?

Cost of Living Breakdown

Category	Chicago (Index: 110.7)	Great Falls (Index: 100.0)	Winner
Median Rent (1BR)	$1,507	$745	Great Falls
Utilities (Monthly)	$180 (Est.)	$150 (Est.)	Great Falls
Groceries	40% above nat'l avg	5% above nat'l avg	Great Falls
Median Home Price	$365,000	$299,000	Great Falls

The Verdict: The math is brutally clear. Great Falls is the undisputed champion of affordability. A single person in Chicago pays roughly double the rent for a 1-bedroom apartment. Groceries are significantly more expensive, and even utilities cost a bit more. The "sticker shock" of moving from Great Falls to Chicago is real—you'd need a $65,000+ salary increase in Chicago just to maintain the same standard of living you'd have on $63,934 in Great Falls.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let's play a game. You earn $100,000. Where does it feel like more?

In Great Falls: You are in the top tier of earners. Your take-home pay is roughly $7,500/month. With a mortgage payment on a $299,000 home (after a 20% down payment), you're looking at a manageable ~$1,500/month (including taxes and insurance). After housing, you have $6,000+ left for everything else—saving, investing, travel. You live like a king.
In Chicago: You are solidly middle-class. Your take-home is similar, but your mortgage on a $365,000 home (with a 20% down payment) could easily be $2,200+/month. After housing, you have $5,300. That extra $700/month disappears fast into higher taxes, parking, and the general cost of city life. You're comfortable, but not thriving.

Tax Insight: Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. Montana has a progressive tax system with rates from 1% to 6.75%. While Montana's top rate is higher, the overall tax burden is often lower for middle-income earners due to lower property taxes and no sales tax on groceries. This further boosts Great Falls' purchasing power.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & The Competition

Chicago: A Seller's Market with Nuance
The Chicago housing market is competitive but segmented. The $365,000 median home price can be misleading. In desirable neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Lakeview, you'll be competing fiercely for $500k+ condos. In more distant South or West Side neighborhoods, you can find homes for under $250k, but you may face challenges with schools and safety. Renting is the default for most young professionals, but it's a landlord's market—high demand, limited inventory. If you're buying, be prepared for bidding wars and a rigorous process.

Great Falls: A Stable, Accessible Market
With a median home price of $299,000 and a housing index of 100.0 (national average), Great Falls offers a much more accessible entry point into homeownership. The market is less volatile. You get more square footage and land for your money. Competition exists, but it's not the cutthroat frenzy seen in major metros. Renting is also far easier and cheaper, making it a great option for those new to the area. The "bang for your buck" in Great Falls's housing market is arguably its biggest selling point.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

This is where the cities diverge most dramatically.

Traffic & Commute

Chicago: Infamous. The "L" train is a lifeline, but driving is a test of patience. Average commute times hover around 35-45 minutes, with traffic jams that can double that. Parking is a nightmare, and costs can be $300+/month in the city.
Great Falls: Almost non-existent. The average commute is under 15 minutes. Traffic is rare, parking is free, and you can get across town in 10 minutes. The trade-off? You're far from other major cities. The nearest comparable metro is a 2.5-hour drive to Billings.

Weather: The Four Seasons vs. The Long Winter

Chicago (Avg. Winter: 21°F): Four distinct seasons, but winter is brutal. Lake Michigan winds create a wind chill that can plunge temperatures below -20°F. Snowfall is significant (around 40 inches), and the gray, icy months are a real psychological challenge. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), but lakefront beaches provide relief.
Great Falls (Avg. Winter: 61°F): Wait, that number seems off... Let's clarify. The provided data point of 61°F is likely an annual average or a specific snapshot. Great Falls actually has a semi-arid climate with cold, snowy winters (average lows around 10°F) and warm, dry summers (average highs around 85°F). The key difference? Sunshine. Great Falls boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year, even in winter. Chicago winters are gray and damp; Montana winters are cold but often brilliantly sunny. If you hate gray skies, Great Falls wins.

Crime & Safety: A Stark Contrast

This is a critical factor. Let's look at the violent crime rates per 100,000 people:

Chicago: 819.0
Great Falls: 469.8
National Average: ~250

The Verdict: Great Falls is significantly safer. While Chicago's crime is heavily concentrated in specific neighborhoods, the city-wide average is nearly double that of Great Falls. For families, especially those with children, this is a major consideration. You'll feel a tangible difference in the sense of security in Great Falls.

The Final Verdict: Which City Wins for You?

Winner for Families: Great Falls

Why: The combination of significantly lower cost of living, safer neighborhoods, excellent outdoor access for kids, and a slower, community-oriented pace makes Great Falls the clear choice for raising a family. You can afford a larger home, your kids can play outside with more freedom, and the school districts, while not as large, are community-focused. The trade-off is fewer specialized programs and less cultural diversity.

Winner for Singles / Young Professionals: Chicago

Why: If you're under 35 and your career is your priority, Chicago offers unmatched opportunities. The job market is vast, the networking potential is infinite, and the social scene is diverse and vibrant. The higher cost is the price of entry for the energy and access. You can always move to a Great Falls later in life when you want to settle down.

Winner for Retirees: Great Falls

Why: This is a blowout. Lower taxes, extremely affordable housing, zero traffic, minimal crime, and a peaceful, sunny climate are a retiree's dream. The active, outdoor lifestyle promotes health and well-being. Chicago's amenities are world-class, but the cost, crime, and logistical challenges (like navigating snow and crowds) make it a harder sell for a fixed-income retiree.

Pros & Cons: The Quick Reference Guide

Chicago: Pros & Cons

PROS:

Unrivaled Career Opportunities: A global hub for finance, tech, and industry.
World-Class Culture: Museums, theater, music, and food scene that is second to none.
Public Transit: The 'L' gets you almost anywhere (though it's crowded).
Diversity & Energy: A melting pot of cultures and a city that never feels sleepy.

CONS:

High Cost of Living: Rent, taxes, and daily expenses eat into your salary.
Brutal Winters: The cold and gray skies are a real mental and physical challenge.
Traffic & Parking: A daily headache and a major expense.
Violent Crime: A serious concern that varies by neighborhood.

Great Falls: Pros & Cons