📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Green Bay and Chicago
Head-to-Head Analysis
Green Bay vs Chicago
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Green Bay | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $66,950 | $74,474 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $270,000 | $365,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $170 | $261 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $841 | $1,507 |
| Housing Cost Index | 73.9 | 110.7 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 93.1 | 103.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 345.0 | 819.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 26.7% | 45.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 38 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Chicago vs. Green Bay: The Ultimate Midwest Showdown
So, you’re looking at the Midwest and you've narrowed it down to two absolute heavyweights: the Windy City and Titletown USA. One is a global metropolis with skyline views that stretch forever; the other is a tight-knit community where football is a religion and life moves at a human pace.
Choosing between them isn't just about picking a city—it's about picking a lifestyle. Are you chasing the hustle or craving the quiet? Do you want to get lost in the crowd or know your barista by name?
Let's cut through the noise, break down the data, and figure out which of these two distinct Midwestern gems is the right fit for you.
The Vibe Check: Urban Jungle vs. Hometown Pride
First, let’s talk about what it actually feels like to live in each place.
Chicago is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the Midwest. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality—from the historic brownstones of Lincoln Park to the vibrant arts scene in Pilsen and the bustling energy of the Loop. The vibe is ambitious, fast-paced, and endlessly diverse. You can catch a world-class ballet, eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and cheer on the Cubs at Wrigley Field all in one weekend. It’s a city for people who want options—endless options. The energy is palpable, and if you thrive on being around millions of people, this is your playground. It’s for the career-driven, the culture-seekers, and anyone who wants to feel like they're in the center of the action.
Green Bay, on the other hand, is the definition of a "big small town." With a population of just 105,734, it’s a fraction of Chicago's size. The vibe is deeply rooted in community, tradition, and, yes, the Green Bay Packers. The Lambeau Field "Titletown District" is a hub of activity, but largely, life revolves around family, local festivals, and the great outdoors. It’s quiet, safe, and incredibly friendly. You won't find the same density of arts or dining, but you will find a strong sense of belonging and a pace of life that’s much easier on the nerves. This is a place for people who prioritize community over chaos and want a backyard, not a balcony.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Farther?
This is where the rubber meets the road. A high salary means little if your cost of living eats it all up. Let’s talk purchasing power.
Cost of Living Breakdown
Here’s a direct comparison of your monthly expenses. The data speaks for itself.
| Expense Category | Chicago | Green Bay | The Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,507 | $841 | $666 cheaper in Green Bay |
| Utilities | ~$180 | ~$160 | Slightly cheaper in Green Bay |
| Groceries | ~14% above nat'l avg | ~5% below nat'l avg | Massive savings in Green Bay |
| Housing Index | 110.7 | 73.9 | 37.8% cheaper overall |
Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Let’s imagine you earn $100,000. In Chicago, that median home price of $365,000 feels like a stretch. Your mortgage payment would be a significant chunk of your take-home pay. In Green Bay, with a median home price of $270,000, that same salary gives you way more house for your money. You could likely afford a single-family home with a yard, whereas in Chicago, you'd be looking at a condo or a smaller home in a less central neighborhood.
The Tax Twist
Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%. Wisconsin’s rate is progressive, ranging from 3.54% to 7.65%, but for a median earner, it’s generally comparable or slightly lower. The real kicker is property taxes. Cook County (Chicago) has notoriously high property taxes, which are baked into those home prices. Green Bay’s taxes are more moderate, adding to its affordability.
Insight: You don't just live cheaper in Green Bay—you live better for less. Your $100k salary in Green Bay will afford a lifestyle of homeownership and financial breathing room that would require a salary closer to $140k+ in Chicago to match.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Chicago: The Competitive Arena
The Chicago housing market is a tale of two cities. In desirable neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Lakeview, it’s a seller's market with fierce competition and bidding wars. The median home price of $365,000 can be a starting point, but finding a move-in-ready home in a prime area often means paying over asking. Renting is the default for many young professionals, but those rent prices ($1,507/month) are a steep entry point. Availability is good, but quality and location are at a premium.
Green Bay: The Accessible Market
Green Bay is a much more accessible market for buyers. The median home price of $270,000 is not only lower, but the competition is less intense. You can often find a solid 3-bedroom, 2-bath home within the city limits for under $300k. The market is steadier, with less volatility. For renters, the $841/month average for a 1-bedroom apartment is a game-changer, freeing up hundreds of dollars each month for savings or other goals.
Verdict: If your dream is to own a home without gut-wrenching financial stress, Green Bay is the clear winner. Chicago is a renter's city for many, and buying requires serious capital and patience.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Chicago: Brutal. The "L" is a lifesaver, but driving is a nightmare. The average commute can be 30-45 minutes, and traffic congestion is a daily reality. Parking is expensive and scarce.
- Green Bay: A breeze. Most commutes are under 20 minutes. Traffic jams are rare. You can get almost anywhere in town in a short drive. The stress of commuting is virtually eliminated.
Weather
Let's be real: both are Midwestern winters. But they're different beasts.
- Chicago: The "Windy City" is also the "Chilly City." Winter averages hover around 21°F, but the wind coming off Lake Michigan makes it feel exponentially colder. Summers are hot and humid, often hitting the 90°F mark with thick, sticky air. The lake effect can also dump significant snow.
- Green Bay: Slightly colder on average (18°F), but it’s a drier cold. While it gets snowy, the lake effect is less intense than in Chicago. Summers are generally more pleasant and less humid. The weather is more predictable, but the cold lasts longer.
Crime & Safety
This is a significant differentiator.
- Chicago: The data is clear. With a violent crime rate of 819.0 per 100,000, it’s a major concern. While crime is highly concentrated in specific neighborhoods, it’s a city-wide issue that affects daily life, from where you choose to live to how late you stay out.
- Green Bay: In stark contrast, Green Bay’s violent crime rate is 345.0 per 100,000—less than half of Chicago's. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safer cities in the U.S. For families and anyone prioritizing a sense of security, this is a massive point in Green Bay’s favor.
The Verdict: Who Wins Each Round?
After breaking down the data and the lifestyle factors, here’s the final call.
Winner for Families: GREEN BAY
Why: Safety, affordability, and space. The lower crime rate (345.0/100k vs. 819.0/100k) is a non-negotiable for most parents. The housing market allows for a single-family home with a yard for a fraction of Chicago's cost. The community-oriented vibe and excellent public schools (like Southwest High School) make it an ideal environment for raising kids.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: CHICAGO
Why: Career opportunities and social scene. The economic engine of Chicago is massive, with industries from finance to tech to healthcare offering high-paying jobs. The cultural, dining, and nightlife options are unparalleled. While the cost is high, the networking and experience you gain can be career-accelerating. It’s a place to build your identity and resume.
Winner for Retirees: GREEN BAY
Why: Financial sustainability and peace. Stretching a fixed income is easier in Green Bay. The cost of living (~37% cheaper housing) means retirement savings go much further. The lower stress, slower pace, and strong sense of community are ideal for this life stage. Plus, the Packers provide a built-in social calendar and a sense of belonging that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Final Pros & Cons
Chicago: The Pro & Con Breakdown
PROS:
- Unmatched Career Opportunities: A top-tier economic hub.
- World-Class Culture: Museums, theater, music, food, and sports at the highest level.
- Public Transit: The 'L' system is extensive and reduces car dependency.
- Diversity: A true global city with endless neighborhoods to explore.
- International Airport: O'Hare is a global gateway.
CONS:
- High Cost of Living: Especially housing and taxes.
- Violent Crime: A serious and pervasive issue.
- Traffic & Commute: Daily frustration for drivers.
- Harsh Winters & Humid Summers: The weather is a real challenge.
- Competitive Housing Market: Buying a home is a difficult, expensive process.
Green Bay: The Pro & Con Breakdown
PROS:
- Extreme Affordability: Your salary stretches significantly further.
- High Safety: A safe, family-friendly environment.
- Short Commutes: Minimal traffic, more free time.
- Community Feel: Strong sense of pride and belonging.
- Outdoor Access: Easy access to parks, trails, and Lake Michigan.
CONS:
- Limited Job Market: Fewer corporate HQs and career opportunities.
- Fewer Cultural Amenities: Smaller arts, dining, and nightlife scene.
- Isolation: It’s a few hours from Milwaukee or Chicago; limited travel hubs.
- Small-Town Vibe: Can feel insular if you’re not into sports or community events.
- Cold Winters: Long, dark, and cold season.
The Bottom Line
Choosing between Chicago and Green Bay isn't about which city is objectively "better." It's about which city is the right fit for your life stage, career goals, and personal values.
- Choose Chicago if you're in your 20s or 30s, hungry for career growth, and crave the energy of a major metropolis. You're willing to pay a premium for access and excitement, and you can navigate the challenges of safety and cost.
- Choose Green Bay if you're starting a family, nearing retirement, or simply value safety, affordability, and community above all else. You want financial freedom, a short commute, and a slower, more grounded pace of life.
The data is clear: Green Bay wins on affordability and safety, while Chicago dominates in opportunity and amenities. Your heart—and your wallet—will tell you the rest.