Category / Metric	Mount Pleasant	Chicago
Financial Overview
Median Income	$127,357	$74,474
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$848,750	$365,000
Price per SqFt	$380	$261
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,106	$1,507
Housing Cost Index	123.3	110.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.6	103.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	178.0	819.0
Bachelor's Degree+	—	45.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	38	38

Here is your ultimate relocation showdown between Chicago, IL and Mount Pleasant, SC.

Chicago vs. Mount Pleasant: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the Windy City—a massive, gritty, world-class metropolis where the skyline pierces the clouds. On the other, Mount Pleasant—a charming, coastal suburban gem just across the bridge from historic Charleston, South Carolina.

Are you trading deep-dish pizza for shrimp and grits? Let’s cut through the noise. I’m here to give you the straight talk on where your life—and your wallet—will fare best.

The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Lowcountry Charm

Chicago is the heavyweight champion of the Midwest. It’s a city that demands resilience. You’ve got 2.6 million neighbors, four distinct seasons (with winter being a brutal opponent), and a culture built on architecture, sports, and world-class dining. It’s fast-paced, unapologetic, and endlessly entertaining. If you crave anonymity and the energy of a global hub, Chicago is your playground. It’s for the ambitious professional who wants big-city amenities without the coastal price tag of NYC or LA.

Mount Pleasant is the definition of Southern ease. With a population of just over 95,000, it’s a massive suburb that feels like a small town. The lifestyle revolves around the water—boating, fishing, and enjoying the sun. It’s family-oriented, safe, and steeped in history. The vibe here is "slow down, enjoy the breeze." It’s for the family looking for a tight-knit community, the retiree wanting a scenic backdrop, or the remote worker who wants a high quality of life without the urban chaos.

Verdict: If you want a city that never sleeps, pick Chicago. If you want a community that sleeps well (and wakes up to a beautiful sunrise), pick Mount Pleasant.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch?

This is where things get interesting. You might look at the median income and think Mount Pleasant is the clear winner—and in many ways, it is. But purchasing power is a tricky beast.

Here’s the raw data breakdown:

Category	Chicago, IL	Mount Pleasant, SC	The Insight
Median Income	$74,474	$127,357	Mount Pleasant residents earn significantly more.
Median Home Price	$365,000	$848,750	Dealbreaker Alert: Mount Pleasant housing is 132% more expensive.
Rent (1BR)	$1,507	$1,106	Chicago rent is higher, but not wildly so compared to home prices.
Housing Index	110.7	123.3	Mount Pleasant's housing market is hotter and pricier relative to the national average.

The Salary Wars: The Tax Factor

Let’s do the math on a $100,000 salary, because that’s a common benchmark for professionals.

In Chicago: You’re paying a flat 4.95% state income tax. After taxes and the cost of living, your take-home feels like roughly $72,000. Your rent is higher, but your home buying power is surprisingly decent.
In Mount Pleasant: Welcome to South Carolina. You’ll pay state income tax, but it’s progressive (0% on the first $3,200, up to 7% on income over $16,040). On $100k, you’ll pay roughly $4,800 in state tax. The kicker? No local income tax. However, the median home price of $848,750 is the real sticker shock. To afford that home, you need a much higher income than in Chicago.

The Bottom Line:
Mount Pleasant offers higher median incomes, but the cost of entry for homeownership is astronomical. Chicago offers a lower barrier to entry for buying a home, but you trade that for higher taxes and a slightly higher rental market.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Chicago:

Buyer’s/Seller’s Market: It’s currently a balanced market leaning slightly toward buyers in some neighborhoods, but competitive in desirable areas like Lincoln Park or the West Loop.
Availability: Inventory is tighter than it was, but you have options. You can find a condo for $300k or a single-family home for $400k in solid neighborhoods.
Renting: Renting is a viable long-term strategy here. The rental stock is massive, from luxury high-rises to vintage walk-ups.

Mount Pleasant:

Buyer’s/Seller’s Market: This is a white-hot seller’s market. Low inventory and high demand (driven by people fleeing high-tax states) have driven prices through the roof.
Availability: Finding a home under $600k is a challenge. You’re competing with cash offers and retirees with deep pockets.
Renting: Surprisingly, renting is more affordable relative to buying. If you’re not ready to commit nearly a million dollars, renting is a smart play to test the waters.

Verdict: If you want to buy a home without needing a top 1% income, Chicago offers far more bang for your buck. Mount Pleasant is a high-stakes game for buyers.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Chicago: The "L" (train system) is a lifesaver. If you live and work near a stop, you can ditch the car. However, traffic on the Dan Ryan or Kennedy Expressways is legendary for a reason. Commutes can be brutal.
Mount Pleasant: You are driving everywhere. While traffic isn't Chicago-level bad, the I-526 connector to Charleston is notoriously congested. There is no viable public transit system.

Weather

Chicago: Winters are no joke. Average low in January is 21°F, and the wind chill can make it feel like -10°F. Snow is a given. Summers are humid and hot.
Mount Pleasant: The weather is the main draw. The average low in January is a balmy 37°F, and it rarely freezes. Summers are hot and humid, and you’re in a hurricane zone, but the trade-off is mild winters.

Crime & Safety

Chicago: This is the elephant in the room. The violent crime rate is 819.0 per 100k. It’s important to note that crime is hyper-local; neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Hyde Park are incredibly safe, while others face significant challenges. You must do your research on specific blocks.
Mount Pleasant: One of the safest communities in the nation. The violent crime rate is 178.0 per 100k—dramatically lower than Chicago and well below the national average. You can leave your bike on the porch here.

The Final Verdict

Choosing between these two is choosing between two entirely different versions of the American Dream.

Winner for Families: Mount Pleasant

If safety, schools, and a backyard are your priorities, Mount Pleasant is the clear choice. The crime stats are unbeatable, and the community is built for raising kids. Just be prepared for that housing price tag—you’ll likely need to compromise on space or location to stay in budget.

Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Chicago

For career growth, nightlife, dating, and culture, Chicago is the undisputed winner. You can afford to live alone (or with a roommate) in a vibrant neighborhood, take the train to a world-class job, and have endless entertainment options on a median income that wouldn't get you a studio in Mount Pleasant.

Winner for Retirees: Mount Pleasant

The mild weather, low crime, and slower pace make Mount Pleasant a retiree magnet. It’s peaceful, scenic, and offers a high quality of life. Chicago’s winters are generally too harsh for older adults to enjoy long-term.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Chicago, IL

Pros:

World-Class Amenities: Museums, theater, dining, and sports rival any global city.
Public Transit: The 'L' system reduces the need for a car.
Affordable Housing (Relative): You can buy a home for under $400k in a major metro area.
Job Market: Massive, diverse economy with Fortune 500 HQs.

Cons:

Brutal Winters: Long, cold, dark, and snowy.
High Taxes: Flat state income tax and high property taxes.
Crime: Hyper-local but requires vigilance and research.
Traffic: Congestion is a daily reality.

Mount Pleasant, SC