📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Lewisville and Chicago
Head-to-Head Analysis
Lewisville vs Chicago
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Lewisville | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $88,784 | $74,474 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $386,500 | $365,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $208 | $261 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,291 | $1,507 |
| Housing Cost Index | 117.8 | 110.7 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 105.0 | 103.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.35 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 234.0 | 819.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 38.4% | 45.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 38 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Chicago vs. Lewisville: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you’ve got Chicago—the Windy City, a massive, iconic metropolis with deep-dish pizza, a legendary skyline, and a pulse that never sleeps. On the other, you’ve got Lewisville—a fast-growing suburb in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, a place where the vibe is more "family-friendly barbecue" than "late-night jazz club."
This isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about choosing a lifestyle. Are you chasing the hustle of a global city, or are you looking for a spacious home with a great school district and a manageable commute? Let’s break it down, head-to-head, with no sugar-coating.
The Vibe Check
Chicago is the quintessential "big city" experience. It’s a place of distinct seasons, world-class museums, a thriving food scene, and 77 diverse neighborhoods. You can spend your Saturday wandering the Art Institute or catching a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. It’s a city for people who want endless options—careers, culture, food, and nightlife. The energy is palpable, but so is the pace. It’s for the ambitious, the culturally curious, and those who thrive in a dense, urban environment.
Lewisville (part of the DFW Metroplex) offers a completely different proposition. It’s a classic Texas suburb with a small-town feel nestled in a massive metro area. The vibe is laid-back, family-oriented, and centered around community events, parks, and sprawling shopping centers. It’s more about spacious living, newer construction, and easy access to everything Dallas and Fort Worth have to offer, without the chaos of downtown. It’s for those who want the amenities of a major city (jobs, airports, entertainment) but prefer to come home to a quieter, more spacious environment.
Verdict: Chicago for the urban adventurer. Lewisville for the suburban family or professional seeking space and calm.
The Dollar Power: Will Your Salary Feel Rich or Stretched?
This is where the rubber meets the road. You might earn more in one city, but your purchasing power—the actual lifestyle your paycheck buys—is the real metric. Let's talk taxes first, because it's a game-changer.
- Texas (Lewisville): 0% state income tax. That’s a massive win. If you make $100,000, you keep all of it (minus federal tax).
- Illinois (Chicago): A flat 4.95% state income tax. On that same $100k, you’re paying $4,950 to Springfield right off the top.
That’s thousands of dollars a year that stay in your pocket in Lewisville. Now, let's layer on the cost of living.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Lewisville | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $365,000 | $386,500 | Chicago |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,507 | $1,291 | Lewisville |
| Housing Index | 110.7 | 117.8 | Chicago |
| Median Income | $74,474 | $88,784 | Lewisville |
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 819.0 | 234.0 | Lewisville |
| Avg. Winter Temp (Jan) | 21.0°F | 57.0°F | Lewisville |
(Data: Based on provided snapshot and general indices)
Purchasing Power Wars:
Let's do the math. Take a household earning $100,000.
- In Lewisville (Texas): You take home roughly $76,000 after federal taxes (single filer, standard deduction). With 0% state tax, that’s your full amount. Your rent for a 1BR is $1,291, leaving you with about $62,600 for everything else.
- In Chicago (Illinois): You take home roughly $76,000 after federal taxes. Then you lose $4,950 to state tax, bringing your net to $71,050. Your rent for a 1BR is $1,507, leaving you with about $69,700 for everything else.
Wait, that doesn't make sense! Chicago seems to have more leftover cash. But this is the "sticker shock" illusion. While Chicago's rent is higher, its housing index (110.7) is actually lower than Lewisville's (117.8). This means the overall cost of goods, services, and utilities is often more balanced in Chicago, and its median home price is actually $21,500 lower than Lewisville's. For a buyer, Chicago offers better initial value. For a renter, Lewisville wins on pure rent cost, and the lack of state income tax is a huge psychological and financial boost.
The Insight: If you're a high earner (over $150k), the 0% state tax in Texas becomes a massive wealth-builder. For middle-income earners, the math is tighter, but the lower crime and warmer weather in Lewisville are significant non-monetary perks. Chicago's lower housing index suggests more balanced costs across the board, but the brutal winter and higher taxes eat into the "feeling" of wealth.
Verdict: Lewisville wins for higher median income and 0% state tax, giving you more bang for your buck on paper. Chicago wins for slightly better home value and a more balanced overall cost structure.
The Housing Market: To Buy or Rent?
Chicago:
- Buying: The market is competitive but diverse. You can find a historic condo in a vintage building for $365,000 (the median), or a single-family home in the suburbs for less. The housing index of 110.7 means prices are about 10.7% above the national average, which is manageable for a major metro. It's a buyer's market in some neighborhoods, a seller's in others.
- Renting: The rental market is vast. From luxury high-rises in Streeterville to classic walk-ups in Logan Square. $1,507 for a 1BR is a realistic average, but you can find deals in less trendy areas. Availability is generally good due to the high population turnover.
Lewisville:
- Buying: The median home price of $386,500 is slightly higher than Chicago's, a testament to the booming DFW real estate market. The housing index of 117.8 is higher than Chicago's, reflecting intense demand and new construction. This is a seller's market. You'll often face bidding wars, especially for newer, family-friendly homes in good school districts.
- Renting: The rental market is growing but less saturated. $1,291 for a 1BR is attractive, and you often get more square footage and newer appliances than in Chicago. Availability is good, but competition for the best units is rising.
Verdict: Chicago offers more variety and slightly better initial value for buyers. Lewisville is tougher for buyers (seller's market) but offers better rental value.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Chicago: Brutal. The "El" and Metra trains are a lifesaver, but driving is a nightmare. Traffic is dense, parking is expensive and scarce, and a 10-mile commute can take 45 minutes. Public transit is a huge advantage.
- Lewisville: Car-centric. You'll need a car for everything. Commutes to Dallas or Fort Worth can be lengthy (30-60+ minutes on I-35E), but traffic flows better than in Chicago. The trade-off is more driving, but less congestion-induced rage.
Weather
- Chicago: This is a massive dealbreaker for many. Winters are long, gray, and brutal, with an average January temp of 21°F and heavy snow. Summers are beautiful but humid. You get all four seasons, but winter dominates.
- Lewisville: Hot and sunny. Summers are consistently in the 90s°F, often hitting 100°F+. Winters are mild (average 57°F). You trade shoveling snow for high AC bills. If you hate the cold, Lewisville wins hands down.
Crime & Safety
- Chicago: The numbers are stark. The violent crime rate of 819.0 per 100k is high. It's crucial to note that crime is hyper-local—some neighborhoods are incredibly safe, while others struggle. It requires more city-smarts and awareness.
- Lewisville: With a violent crime rate of 234.0 per 100k, it's significantly safer than Chicago and below the national average. This is a major selling point for families.
Verdict: Lewisville wins decisively on safety and weather. Chicago wins on public transit and seasonal variety (if you love fall and winter sports).
The Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Where?
Winner for Families: Lewisville
Why: The trifecta of safety (234 vs 819 crime rate), better schools (in the Lewisville ISD), and more space for your dollar. The 0% state income tax is a huge financial boost for a family budget. The weather is easier for year-round outdoor activities. Chicago can be fantastic for families in the right neighborhood, but the safety concerns and high cost are constant stressors.
Winner for Singles & Young Pros: Chicago
Why: The career opportunities, especially in finance, tech, and professional services, are unparalleled. The social scene is vibrant and diverse. You can live without a car, saving thousands. The cultural institutions, nightlife, and dating pool are on a different level. Lewisville's social scene is quieter and more family-focused.
Winner for Retirees: Lewisville
Why: The warm weather eliminates the physical strain of harsh winters. Lower taxes (no state income tax on retirement income) preserve savings. Lower violent crime rates offer peace of mind. Chicago's cultural offerings are tempting, but the cost and climate are significant hurdles for fixed incomes.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
Chicago
Pros:
- World-class culture, food, and entertainment.
- Extensive public transit system (car optional).
- Diverse neighborhoods and architectural beauty.
- Strong job market across multiple industries.
- Four distinct seasons (if you're a fan).
Cons:
- High violent crime rate (819/100k).
- Brutally cold and long winters (21°F avg).
- High state income tax (4.95%).
- Traffic and parking are notoriously difficult.
- High cost of living in desirable areas.
Lewisville
Pros:
- 0% state income tax.
- Significantly safer (234/100k violent crime).
- Warm, sunny weather year-round.
- More affordable rent ($1,291 vs $1,507).
- Family-friendly, community-oriented vibe.
- Strong public school districts.
Cons:
- Car-dependent lifestyle.
- Hot, humid summers (90°F+).
- Competitive housing market (seller's market).
- Fewer cultural institutions compared to a global city.
- Longer commutes to major urban cores.
The Bottom Line: This is a choice between city life and suburban comfort. If your heart yearns for the energy, culture, and career opportunities of a major metropolis—and you can handle the cold and the hustle—Chicago is your city. If you prioritize safety, space, warm weather, and financial perks like no state income tax, and you're okay with a car-centric, family-focused lifestyle, Lewisville is your clear winner.