Levittown CDP vs Chicago

Category / Metric	Levittown CDP	Chicago
Financial Overview
Median Income	$101,619	$74,474
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$311,000	$365,000
Price per SqFt	$null	$261
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,190	$1,507
Housing Cost Index	117.8	110.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	100.3	103.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	413.7	819.0
Bachelor's Degree+	25.1%	45.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	30	38

Chicago vs. Levittown CDP: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

By Your Relocation Expert & Data Journalist

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Chicago—the Windy City, a skyscraper-studded metropolis with deep-dish pizza, world-class museums, and a heartbeat that never stops. On the other, you have Levittown CDP—a quiet, sprawling community on Long Island, known for its post-war history, suburban comfort, and a distinctly different pace of life.

Choosing between them isn’t just about picking a zip code; it’s about choosing a lifestyle. Do you want the electric energy of a global city, or the laid-back stability of a classic American suburb? Let’s cut through the noise and break down exactly what life looks like in each spot, dollar for dollar, block by block.

The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back Suburbia

Chicago is a beast of a city. With a population of 2.6 million, it’s the third-largest city in the U.S. The vibe is intense, professional, and culturally rich. You’re talking about a city that gave us the blues, the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, and a food scene that rivals New York. Life here revolves around distinct neighborhoods—you’ve got the hipster vibes of Logan Square, the high-end glitz of the Gold Coast, and the family-friendly streets of Lincoln Park. It’s a city for doers, networkers, and people who crave energy. If you get bored in Chicago, you’re not trying hard enough.

Levittown CDP, on the other hand, is the quintessential suburb. With a population of just over 50,000, it’s tight-knit and familiar. Originally built as a planned community in the 1940s, Levittown (part of the larger Nassau County area) is all about comfort, convenience, and community. The vibe is quieter, more residential, and geared towards families and established professionals. It’s less about late-night jazz clubs and more about backyard barbecues, top-rated school districts, and easy access to both the serene North Fork vineyards and the hustle of New York City (just over an hour away by train). This is a place for people who value stability, safety, and a slower pace.

Who is each city for?

• Chicago is for young professionals, ambitious career climbers, culture vultures, and those who thrive in urban chaos. It’s for people who want a world at their doorstep.
• Levittown CDP is for families, commuters who work in NYC, and anyone seeking a quieter, more predictable suburban life without sacrificing access to major city amenities.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Bigger?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. You might earn a higher salary in one place, but if your cost of living eats it all up, what’s the point?

Here’s how the everyday expenses stack up:

Expense Category	Chicago, IL	Levittown CDP, NY	Winner
Median Home Price	$365,000	$311,000	Levittown
Rent (1BR)	$1,507	$1,190	Levittown
Housing Index (nat'l avg = 100)	110.7	117.8	Chicago
Median Household Income	$74,474	$101,619	Levittown

Let’s unpack this. At first glance, Levittown looks cheaper. The median home price is about $54,000 less, and rent is over $300 cheaper per month. That’s real money back in your pocket. However, the "Housing Index" is a key data point here. Levittown’s index of 117.8 means its housing costs are 17.8% above the national average. Chicago’s at 110.7% is also above average, but slightly less so. This suggests that while Levittown’s raw numbers look lower, the market is actually more expensive relative to the rest of the country, likely due to high demand in the Greater NYC area.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Here’s the kicker: Levittown’s median income ($101,619) is significantly higher than Chicago’s ($74,474). This is a huge factor. If you earn the median salary in Levittown, your money goes further because you’re already in a higher-earning community. The "sticker shock" for housing might be less severe when your baseline income is higher.

But let’s talk taxes—the silent budget killer. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%. New York’s income tax is progressive, ranging from 4% to 10.9%. For a high earner in Levittown, New York state taxes can take a significant bite. However, New York has no local income tax in Levittown, whereas Chicago has a hefty 10.25% sales tax (one of the highest in the nation). It’s a complex trade-off, but for median earners, Levittown’s higher income often offsets the higher tax burden.

Verdict on Dollars: If you’re starting from scratch or on a fixed income, Levittown CDP offers more purchasing power for the average earner. The higher median income, combined with lower rent and home prices, means you’re likely to feel less financial pressure here. Chicago is more affordable in some aspects (like no local income tax), but the lower median salary can make it feel tighter.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & The Competition

Chicago:
The Chicago market is a mixed bag. It’s a buyer’s market in many neighborhoods, meaning there’s more inventory and less frenzy than in past years. You can find a lot of variety—from vintage walk-ups in the city to single-family homes in the suburbs (like Lincoln Park or Lakeview). Renting is competitive but manageable, with a solid supply of apartments. The big advantage here is choice. You have dozens of neighborhoods to choose from, each with a different price point and vibe. However, property taxes in Illinois are notoriously high, which can be a long-term burden for homeowners.

Levittown CDP:
Levittown is a classic seller’s market. Inventory is tight, and homes sell quickly, often above asking price. The housing stock is mostly single-family homes, many of them the iconic post-war "Levittown" style. While the median home price is lower than Chicago’s, competition is fierce, driven by the strong local economy and proximity to NYC. Renting is also competitive, with a limited supply of apartments. For buyers, it’s a tough market to break into without a strong offer. The upside? Homes here hold their value extremely well, thanks to the constant demand from NYC commuters.

Verdict: If you want variety and a seller’s market, choose Chicago. If you’re ready to compete for a stable, high-value asset in a seller’s market, choose Levittown.

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The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety

This is where lifestyles clash most dramatically.

Traffic & Commute:

• Chicago: Commuting within the city is a breeze with the "L" train system and extensive bus routes. However, driving is a nightmare. The Dan Ryan Expressway is a legendary parking lot, and winter snow can turn any commute into a horror story. For suburban commuters, the Metra trains are efficient but crowded.
• Levittown CDP: This is car-dependent. You need a car for everything—groceries, school runs, commuting. The commute to NYC is a major factor. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is reliable but expensive, and the drive into the city can be brutal due to traffic on the Long Island Expressway. Local traffic is light compared to Chicago.

Weather:

• Chicago: Brutal. The data shows an average low of 21°F, but that’s just the start. Winters are long, gray, and unforgiving, with lake-effect snow and biting winds. Summers are hot and humid. If you hate cold, Chicago will break you.
• Levittown CDP: Much milder. The average low of 54°F reflects its coastal location. Winters are cool but rarely severe, with occasional snow. Summers are warm and humid, but manageable. It’s a four-season climate without the extreme lows of the Midwest.

Crime & Safety:
This is a stark difference. The data speaks volumes.

• Chicago: Violent crime rate is 819.0 per 100,000 people. This is a serious concern. While crime is heavily concentrated in specific neighborhoods, the city-wide average is high. Safety varies dramatically block by block, requiring residents to be vigilant and research neighborhoods thoroughly.
• Levittown CDP: Violent crime rate is 413.7 per 100,000 people. This is roughly half of Chicago’s rate and is considered moderate for the U.S., but notably safer than a major metropolitan core. It’s a community-oriented suburb where safety is a primary draw for families.

Verdict on Dealbreakers:

• For Traffic/Commute: Levittown (if you work remotely or on Long Island), but Chicago wins if you rely on public transit within the city.
• For Weather: Levittown wins decisively. Chicago’s winters are a major lifestyle sacrifice.
• For Safety: Levittown is the clear winner. The data shows it’s nearly twice as safe from violent crime.

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The Final Verdict: Who Should Pack Their Bags?

After breaking down the data, the culture, and the daily grind, here are the clear winners for different life stages.

🏆 Winner for Families: Levittown CDP
The combination of lower violent crime (413.7 vs. 819.0), a higher median income ($101k), great schools, and a quieter, community-focused environment makes Levittown the safer and more stable choice for raising kids. The single-family home culture is built-in.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Chicago
If you’re in your 20s or 30s and your career is your focus, Chicago’s energy, networking opportunities, and cultural scene are unmatched. The lower barrier to entry in the rental market and the sheer variety of nightlife and social venues make it the ideal playground for young ambition.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Levittown CDP
For retirees, stability, safety, and moderate weather are paramount. Levittown offers a peaceful, predictable community with easy access to healthcare and NYC amenities, without the punishing winters of Chicago. The lower crime rate and community vibe are perfect for this life stage.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Chicago, IL

Pros:

• World-class cultural attractions (museums, theater, music)
• Superior public transit system
• Unmatched neighborhood variety and food scene
• A true 24/7 city energy
• More affordable entry-level housing in some areas

Cons:

• High violent crime rate (819.0/100k)
• Brutal winters with extreme cold and snow
• Heavy traffic and stressful driving
• High sales tax (10.25%)
• Lower median income ($74,474)

Levittown CDP, NY

Pros:

• Significantly safer (violent crime 413.7/100k)
• Higher median income ($101,619) and purchasing power
• Milder, four-season weather
• Top-rated school districts
• Proximity to NYC and North Fork attractions

Cons:

• Car-dependent; no real public transit
• Seller’s market; competitive and expensive housing
• High cost of living (117.8 housing index)
• Long, expensive commute to NYC if required
• Less cultural and nightlife diversity

The Bottom Line: Choose Chicago if you’re chasing career energy, cultural depth, and urban grit, and you’re willing to trade safety and weather for it. Choose Levittown CDP if you prioritize safety, stability, and a higher income, and you’re okay with a quieter, car-centric suburban life.