Category / Metric	Melbourne	Chicago
Financial Overview
Median Income	$63,726	$74,474
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$307,000	$365,000
Price per SqFt	$201	$261
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,214	$1,507
Housing Cost Index	118.9	110.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.6	103.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.60	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	456.0	819.0
Bachelor's Degree+	32.5%	45.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	36	38

Chicago vs. Melbourne: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

So, you’re standing at a crossroads between two very different worlds. On one side, you have Chicago, the Windy City—a massive, gritty, world-class metropolis on the shores of Lake Michigan. On the other, you have Melbourne, a smaller, sun-drenched gem on Florida’s Space Coast.

You might think comparing a major global hub to a coastal Florida town is apples and oranges, but for your life, it’s a choice between urban intensity and coastal relaxation. As your relocation expert, I’ve crunched the numbers, felt the vibes, and I’m here to give you the unvarnished truth.

Let’s dive in.

The Vibe Check: Big City Grind vs. Sunshine & Space

Chicago is a beast. It’s the third-largest city in the U.S. and feels like it. The energy is electric, the architecture is iconic, and the culture runs deep. You’re talking about world-class museums, a legendary food scene (deep-dish pizza and Michelin stars), and a downtown that hums with ambition. It’s for the person who craves anonymity in a crowd, who wants every professional opportunity at their doorstep, and who doesn’t mind trading brutal winters for vibrant summers.

Melbourne, Florida (let’s clarify we’re talking about the one on the Space Coast, not the Australian metropolis) is the definition of laid-back. It’s a coastal town where the pace is slower, the beaches are pristine, and the community feels tighter. Life revolves around the water, the Kennedy Space Center, and outdoor activities. It’s for the person who wants to escape the concrete jungle, prioritizes a work-life balance, and dreams of warm weather year-round.

Who is each city for?

Chicago is for the career-driven professional, the culture vulture, the urban explorer, and anyone who needs four distinct seasons to feel alive (even if winter is a beast).
Melbourne is for the nature lover, the retiree, the young family wanting space, and the remote worker who wants their office to have a view of the Atlantic.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk about purchasing power. We’ll compare the essentials side-by-side.

Metric	Chicago, IL	Melbourne, FL	The Winner
Median Home Price	$365,000	$307,000	🏆 Melbourne
Rent (1BR)	$1,507	$1,214	🏆 Melbourne
Housing Index	110.7	118.9	🏆 Chicago (Relative to income)
Median Income	$74,474	$63,726	🏆 Chicago

The Salary Wars: The Tax Factor

This is where things get interesting. Let’s say you earn $100,000. Where does it feel like more?

In Chicago: You’re earning above the median, which is great. But Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. On $100k, that’s about $4,950 in state taxes right off the top. Your take-home pay is immediately dented.

In Melbourne: Florida has 0% state income tax. On that same $100k, you keep every penny of that state tax. That’s an immediate $4,950 advantage. While Melbourne’s median income is lower, the lack of state income tax is a massive financial lever, especially for higher earners.

Purchasing Power Verdict: On pure numbers, Melbourne wins. A lower median home price and no state income tax mean your dollar stretches further for housing and daily expenses. However, Chicago’s higher median income suggests more high-paying jobs are available, so your ceiling might be higher there. It’s a classic trade-off: Melbourne offers better baseline affordability, Chicago offers a higher earning potential (if you can land the job).

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & The Competition

Chicago: The Urban Jungle

Buy vs. Rent: Chicago is a massive renter’s market. With a population of 2.6 million, the sheer density means renting is the norm for most residents, especially downtown and in popular neighborhoods. The median home price of $365k is relatively reasonable for a major metro (hello, San Francisco or New York), but the property taxes in Illinois are notoriously high, which can be a hidden cost.
Availability: The market is competitive, especially in desirable neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or the West Loop. You’re competing with a lot of people. The Housing Index of 110.7 indicates that housing costs are 10.7% above the national average, which feels fair given the city's stature.

Melbourne: The Coastal Community

Buy vs. Rent: With a population of just 86,956, Melbourne is a smaller, more traditional community where buying a home is a common goal. The median home price of $307k is attractive, and the market is generally less frenetic than in major cities.
Availability: While not as cutthroat as Chicago, the Housing Index of 118.9 is a red flag. It means housing costs are 18.9% above the national average. This is driven by its desirability as a coastal, warm-weather destination. You’ll face competition, especially from retirees and remote workers flocking to Florida.

Housing Verdict: Chicago wins for those who prioritize the job market and city life over owning a single-family home. Melbourne wins for aspiring homeowners looking for a more manageable market, though the high index means you’re paying a premium for that Florida sunshine.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Chicago: Infamous. Traffic on the Dan Ryan Expressway and I-290 can be a nightmare. Public transit (the "L") is extensive and a lifesaver, but it’s crowded, and the commute times can be long. A 30-minute drive can easily become an hour.
Melbourne: Much more manageable. As a smaller city, traffic is present but rarely gridlocked. The I-95 corridor can get busy, but daily commutes are generally shorter and less stressful. Most things are within a 15-20 minute drive.

Weather: The Ultimate Trade-Off

Chicago: You get four seasons, but winter is the main character. Average lows in January are 21°F, with brutal wind chills, snow, and gray skies that can last for months. Summers are glorious, hot, and humid (90°F+), with a vibrant street life.
Melbourne: You get one season: 72°F and sunny. The average temperature is mild year-round. Summers are warm and humid, but you have the beach to cool off. Hurricane season (June-Nov) is the main weather threat, with the risk of tropical storms and flooding.

Crime & Safety

This is an uncomfortable but necessary conversation. The data is clear.

Chicago: The violent crime rate is 819.0 per 100,000. This is significantly higher than the national average and is a major concern for many residents and prospective movers. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, but the city-wide statistic is a serious consideration.
Melbourne: The violent crime rate is 456.0 per 100,000. While this is also above the national average, it is roughly 44% lower than Chicago's. For a city of its size and location, this is a key differentiator.

Quality of Life Verdict: For daily driving and overall safety, Melbourne has a clear edge. For weather, it’s a personal choice: do you prefer distinct seasons with a harsh winter, or consistent warmth with a hurricane risk? For culture and amenities, Chicago is in a league of its own.

The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?

No city is perfect. Here’s the breakdown for who each one truly serves best.

Winner for Families: Melbourne

Why: Lower crime rate, more affordable housing (for a home with a yard), easier commutes, and a community-oriented environment. The Space Coast offers great schools and endless outdoor activities for kids. The lack of state income tax also helps the family budget.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Chicago

Why: The job market is unparalleled, the social scene is vibrant and endless, and the networking opportunities are off the charts. You can build a career and a life in a dynamic urban environment. The higher salary potential can offset the higher cost of living.

Winner for Retirees: Melbourne

Why: The warm weather, low taxes, and relaxed pace are a retiree’s dream. The lower violent crime rate provides peace of mind, and the community has a strong retiree presence. Access to healthcare and leisure activities is tailored for this demographic.

Pros & Cons: The Quick Hits

Chicago, IL

Pros:

World-class job market and professional opportunities.
Unmatched cultural scene (museums, theater, food).
Excellent public transportation (the "L").
Four distinct seasons with beautiful summers.
Higher median income.

Cons:

High violent crime rate (819.0/100k).
Brutal, long winters.
Heavy traffic and long commutes.
High state income tax (4.95%).
Expensive and competitive housing market.

Melbourne, FL