📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Lewiston and Chicago
Head-to-Head Analysis
Lewiston vs Chicago
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Lewiston | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $56,558 | $74,474 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.2% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $330,000 | $365,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $162 | $261 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $877 | $1,507 |
| Housing Cost Index | 95.1 | 110.7 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 96.6 | 103.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 108.6 | 819.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 21.7% | 45.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 38 | 38 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between Chicago and Lewiston.
Chicago vs. Lewiston: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the Windy City—a massive, gritty, cultural powerhouse that defines the American Midwest. On the other, you have Lewiston, a historic Maine city that’s smaller, quieter, and sits right on the banks of the Androscoggin River.
Choosing between these two is like choosing between a high-octane espresso and a slow-brewed cup of tea. They offer completely different vibes, costs, and lifestyles. As your relocation expert, I’ve crunched the numbers and lived the culture to help you decide where to plant your roots. Let’s dive in.
The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Historic River Town
Chicago is a beast. With a population of 2.6 million, it’s the third-largest city in the U.S. It’s a place of iconic architecture, deep-dish pizza, world-class museums, and neighborhoods that feel like their own mini-cities. The energy is palpable; the "L" train rumbles overhead, the lakefront is always buzzing, and there’s always something to do. It’s for the person who craves anonymity, diversity, and endless options. If you want to be a small fish in a big, exciting pond, Chicago is your tank.
Lewiston, on the other hand, is the definition of a "big small town." With a population of just 37,886, it’s intimate and historic. It’s known for its strong French-Canadian roots, the stunning Bates College campus, and its revitalized waterfront. The pace is slower, the community is tighter-knit, and you’ll likely run into people you know at the grocery store. It’s for the person who values community over crowds, who wants the amenities of a city (like a college town’s arts and culture) without the overwhelming scale. If you want to feel like you belong to a place, Lewiston is your spot.
Verdict:
- Chicago is for the urban explorer, the career climber, and the culture vulture.
- Lewiston is for the nature lover, the budget-conscious professional, and the community seeker.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. We’ll compare the cost of living using a baseline of $100,000 in annual income to see how it actually feels in your wallet.
Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | Chicago | Lewiston | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $365,000 | $330,000 | Lewiston (by a hair) |
| Median Income | $74,474 | $56,558 | Chicago |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,507 | $877 | Lewiston |
| Housing Index | 110.7 | 95.1 | Lewiston |
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 819.0 | 108.6 | Lewiston |
| Avg. Winter Temp (Jan) | 21.0°F | 45.0°F | Lewiston |
The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
If you earn $100,000 in Chicago, your effective purchasing power is lower due to the higher cost of living. The Housing Index of 110.7 means you’re paying about 10.7% above the national average just for shelter. In Lewiston, with an index of 95.1, you’re paying 4.9% below the national average.
Let’s translate that:
- In Chicago, that $100,000 salary feels more like $85,000 after housing and higher city taxes (Illinois has a flat income tax of 4.95%). You’re paying a premium for access to the job market and amenities.
- In Lewiston, that same $100,000 salary feels closer to $110,000. Your rent is nearly half, and Maine has a progressive income tax (ranging from 5.8% to 7.15% for that bracket), but the drastically lower housing costs more than offset it.
Insight: Chicago offers higher median incomes, but the cost of living eats into that lead. Lewiston, with a lower median income, provides a much higher quality of life for a mid-range salary. If you’re remote or can secure a Chicago-level salary while living in Lewiston, you’ll be living like royalty.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Chicago: The Competitive Buyer’s Market
The Chicago housing market is intense. With a median home price of $365,000, it’s competitive but offers more variety than Lewiston. You can find a classic greystone in Lincoln Park, a modern loft in the West Loop, or a single-family home in the suburbs. It’s a seller’s market in desirable neighborhoods, meaning bidding wars are common. Renting is the norm for many young professionals, but with a median rent of $1,507, it’s a significant chunk of change.
Lewiston: The Accessible Market
Lewiston’s median home price of $330,000 is slightly lower than Chicago’s, but the market dynamics are different. It’s a smaller market with less inventory, which can make finding the right home challenging. However, it’s generally a more accessible market for first-time buyers. The lower price point and lower competition mean you might get more house for your money, often with land. Renting is cheaper ($877), but inventory can be tight, and the rental market is less dynamic than a major metro.
Verdict: For buyers, Lewiston offers better value and lower entry barriers. For renters, Chicago has more options but at a much higher cost.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
Chicago: Brutal. The expressway system is legendary for congestion. The average commute can easily hit 30-45 minutes. Public transit (the CTA) is extensive and a lifesaver, but it’s crowded and subject to delays. If you hate traffic, Chicago will test your patience.
Lewiston: Breezy. Traffic jams are rare. The average commute is likely under 20 minutes. You can get across town in 10-15 minutes. It’s a car-dependent city, but driving is stress-free compared to a major metro.
Weather
Chicago: The "City of Big Shoulders" endures brutal winters. The average January temp is 21.0°F, but wind chills can plunge below zero. Snow is a fact of life. Summers are hot and humid. The weather is a true four-season experience, but winter is a serious commitment.
Lewiston: Maine winters are cold, but Lewiston’s location offers a slight buffer. The average January temp is 45.0°F—still cold, but noticeably milder than Chicago. Snowfall is significant, but the cold is less biting. Summers are beautiful and mild. If you hate deep-freeze winters, Lewiston is the clear winner.
Crime & Safety
This is the most critical data point. Chicago’s violent crime rate is 819.0 per 100,000 people. This is a high number, and while it’s concentrated in specific neighborhoods, it’s a city-wide reality that impacts perception and daily life.
Lewiston’s rate is 108.6 per 100,000. That’s less than 1/8th of Chicago’s rate. Lewiston is, statistically, a significantly safer community. For families and anyone prioritizing a sense of security, this is a massive differentiator.
Verdict: Lewiston wins decisively on commute, weather (for winter-haters), and safety. Chicago wins on career opportunities and urban amenities, but at a cost to your peace of mind and time.
The Final Verdict: Who Should Move Where?
After breaking down the data and the lifestyle, the choice becomes clearer based on your life stage.
Winner for Families: Lewiston
Why: Safety (108.6 vs. 819.0 crime rate) is the #1 factor. The lower cost of living means a larger home and yard for less money. The community is tight-knit, and the school system (bolstered by Bates College) has a strong reputation. You get a slower pace of life with access to Maine’s incredible outdoor recreation.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Chicago
Why: The career opportunities are unmatched. The median income of $74,474 reflects a robust job market in finance, tech, healthcare, and more. The social, dating, and cultural scene is infinite. Yes, it’s expensive and competitive, but for networking, energy, and growth, Chicago is a powerhouse. You trade safety and space for opportunity and excitement.
Winner for Retirees: Lewiston
Why: Predictability, safety, and value. The lower cost of living stretches retirement savings further. The milder winters (relatively) and walkable downtown area (for a small city) are appealing. The slower pace and strong community support systems are ideal for a relaxed retirement. Chicago’s hustle and cold winters are less appealing in later years.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
Chicago Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- World-class job market and career opportunities.
- Unbeatable cultural scene (museums, theater, food).
- Extensive public transit system.
- Incredible ethnic and neighborhood diversity.
- Cons:
- Extremely high violent crime rate (819.0/100k).
- Brutal, windy winters and humid summers.
- High cost of living and taxes.
- Chronic traffic congestion and long commutes.
Lewiston Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Very low violent crime rate (108.6/100k).
- Much lower cost of living (rent is nearly half!).
- Mild winters (for Maine) and beautiful summers.
- Tight-knit community and slower pace of life.
- Proximity to nature, lakes, and mountains.
- Cons:
- Limited job market and lower median income ($56,558).
- Smaller, less diverse cultural and dining scene.
- Car-dependent; limited public transit.
- Harsh, snowy winters are still a reality.
The Bottom Line: Your choice boils down to a fundamental trade-off: Opportunity vs. Livability. Chicago gives you the world at your doorstep, but you pay for it with money, safety, and sanity. Lewiston offers a peaceful, affordable, and safe life, but you trade the bright lights for a quieter, more constrained existence. Choose the city that aligns with what you value most right now.