Nashua vs Chicago

Category / Metric	Nashua	Chicago
Financial Overview
Median Income	$97,667	$74,474
Unemployment Rate	3%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$487,500	$365,000
Price per SqFt	$291	$261
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,489	$1,507
Housing Cost Index	127.8	110.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	97.4	103.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	146.4	819.0
Bachelor's Degree+	41%	45.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	44	38

Head-to-Head: Chicago vs. Nashua – The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

So you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Chicago—the Windy City, a sprawling metropolis of 2.6 million souls, deep-dish pizza, and skyline views that scream "urban jungle." On the other, you have Nashua—a New England gem of 91,000 people, nestled along the Merrimack River, offering a quieter, more manageable slice of life.

Choosing between these two is like choosing between a high-octane sports car and a reliable, comfortable SUV. Both get you where you need to go, but the ride is wildly different. As your relocation expert, I’ve crunched the numbers and lived the vibes to help you decide. Let’s dive in.

The Vibe Check: Big City Pulse vs. New England Charm

Chicago is a world-class city that never truly sleeps. It’s a cultural powerhouse with legendary museums, a legendary food scene, and a nightlife that runs the gamut from dive bars to rooftop lounges. The vibe is fast-paced, diverse, and resilient. It’s for the person who craves energy, anonymity, and the feeling that they’re in the center of the action. You’re trading space for access—access to Fortune 500 companies, global arts, and every cuisine imaginable.

Nashua is the quintessential New England city that balances history with modern suburban comfort. It’s smaller, quieter, and feels more tight-knit. The vibe is laid-back, family-oriented, and deeply rooted in community. It’s for the person who wants a manageable commute, a strong sense of safety, and easy access to nature (hello, New Hampshire hills!) without sacrificing the amenities of a city. You’re trading the constant buzz for peace, space, and a slower, more intentional pace of life.

The Bottom Line: Choose Chicago if your career and social life thrive on big-city intensity. Choose Nashua if you want a high quality of life without the overwhelming scale and stress of a major metro.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?

Let’s talk money. While Nashua boasts a higher median income, the cost of living tells a more nuanced story. It’s all about purchasing power—what your paycheck actually buys you.

Chicago has a lower median income but also a slightly lower cost of living index compared to Nashua. However, don't let that fool you; Chicago is still a major metro. The real financial kicker? Illinois has a flat income tax rate of 4.95%, while New Hampshire has no state income tax on wages (though it taxes interest and dividends). For high earners, this can be a massive dealbreaker.

Nashua has a higher median income, but the cost of living index is steeper. Housing is the primary culprit—buying a home in Nashua is significantly more expensive than in Chicago on a per-square-foot basis. However, with no state income tax, your take-home pay could be substantially higher, which can offset the higher housing costs.

Here’s a head-to-head data breakdown:

Metric	Chicago	Nashua	Winner (Cost of Living)
Median Income	$74,474	$97,667	Nashua
Median Home Price	$365,000	$487,500	Chicago
Rent (1BR)	$1,507	$1,489	Tie
Housing Index	110.7	127.8	Chicago
State Income Tax	4.95% (Flat)	0% (On Wages)	Nashua
Violent Crime Rate (per 100k)	819.0	146.4	Nashua

Salary Wars: The $100k Test
If you earn $100,000, your purchasing power looks very different.

• In Chicago, after federal and state taxes, your take-home is roughly $72,500. With a median rent of $1,507, you’re spending about 25% of your take-home on housing, leaving a healthy budget for everything else.
• In Nashua, after federal taxes (and zero state tax on wages), your take-home is roughly $76,000. With a median rent of $1,489, you’re spending about 23.5% of your take-home on housing. The difference seems small, but over a year, that extra $3,500 in take-home pay in Nashua is significant. However, if you plan to buy, the $487,500 home price will be a steeper hill to climb.

Verdict: For renters, it’s a near tie, with Nashua having a slight edge due to no income tax. For buyers, Chicago offers more bang for your buck. If you’re a high earner, Nashua’s lack of income tax is a game-changer.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Chicago is a buyer’s market with a Housing Index of 110.7. Inventory is more plentiful, and competition is less cutthroat than in many coastal cities. You can find a wide range of options, from classic Chicago bungalows to modern high-rises. Renting is also a viable, long-term option with a large, competitive rental market.

Nashua is a seller’s market with a Housing Index of 127.8. Inventory is tight, competition is fierce, and prices are high. This is classic New England real estate. You’ll be competing with other buyers, often leading to bidding wars. Renting is an option, but the rental market is smaller and can be just as competitive.

The Bottom Line: If you’re looking to buy soon, Chicago offers more breathing room and affordability. If you have a larger budget and are prepared for a competitive search, Nashua’s market is still attractive, especially for its quality of life.

The Dealbreakers: Weather, Commute, and Safety

Weather

This is a stark contrast. Chicago winters are brutal. An average low of 21°F in January is no joke, with heavy snow, biting winds off the lake, and a long, gray season that can impact morale. Summers are fantastic, though—you get a vibrant city bursting with life.

Nashua winters are milder. An average low of 48°F means less extreme cold and generally less snowfall than Chicago. New England winters are still snowy, but they’re more manageable. Summers are pleasant and less humid than the Midwest.

Verdict: Nashua wins for weather if you dislike extreme cold. Chicago’s summers are unbeatable, but the winters are a major commitment.

Traffic & Commute

Chicago has notorious traffic. Commutes can be long, and public transit (the "L" and buses) is essential for many. However, it’s one of the best transit systems in the country, offering a genuine alternative to driving.

Nashua traffic is a non-issue compared to Chicago. Commutes are short, typically under 20 minutes. You’ll rely heavily on a car, but you’ll rarely face gridlock. It’s a car-centric city with easy highway access.

Verdict: Nashua wins for commute quality and stress. Chicago wins for public transit depth.

Crime & Safety

Let’s be honest—this is a major factor. The numbers are unambiguous.

• Chicago’s violent crime rate is 819.0 per 100,000 people. While this is concentrated in specific neighborhoods, it’s a city-wide reality that requires awareness and research.
• Nashua’s violent crime rate is 146.4 per 100,000 people. This is dramatically lower, aligning with national averages for smaller, safer cities.

Verdict: Nashua is the undisputed winner in safety. Chicago requires a higher level of vigilance and neighborhood-specific research.

The Final Verdict: Which City Wins for You?

After breaking down the data and the lived experience, here’s my expert verdict.

Winner for Families: Nashua

Nashua takes this category decisively. The lower crime rate, excellent public school districts (NH is consistently ranked high for education), manageable commutes, and overall sense of community create a stable, nurturing environment. While the home prices are higher, the quality of life and safety for raising children are unparalleled compared to Chicago’s urban challenges.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Chicago

Chicago is the clear choice for this demographic. The sheer volume of career opportunities, networking events, cultural experiences, and nightlife is unmatched. You can find your tribe in any neighborhood, and the cost of living, while high, is more reasonable than NYC or SF. The energy is contagious, and the city breeds ambition.

Winner for Retirees: Nashua

For retirees, Nashua offers the ideal blend of tranquility, safety, and access to healthcare (Boston’s world-class hospitals are just an hour away). The absence of state income tax on Social Security and pensions is a huge financial benefit. Chicago can be overwhelming for those seeking a quieter retirement, though its cultural institutions are superb.

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Pros & Cons Breakdown

Chicago: The Urban Titan

PROS:

• Unmatched Career Opportunities: A global hub for finance, tech, and business.
• World-Class Culture: Art Institute, symphony, Broadway tours, and endless festivals.
• Diverse Neighborhoods: Find your perfect vibe, from Wicker Park’s hipness to Lincoln Park’s family feel.
• Excellent Public Transit: The "L" gets you almost everywhere.
• Affordable Housing (for a major city): More house for your money than NYC or LA.

CONS:

• Brutal Winters: Long, gray, and bitterly cold.
• High Crime Rate: Requires careful neighborhood selection and situational awareness.
• Traffic Congestion: Can be severe, especially on highways.
• High Taxes: Combined sales and property taxes are significant.
• Cost of Living Creep: While cheaper than coastal cities, it’s still expensive.

Nashua: The New England Haven

PROS:

• Top-Tier Safety: Dramatically lower crime rates.
• No State Income Tax: A major financial advantage for wage earners.
• Excellent Schools: Consistently ranked among the best in the nation.
• Manageable Size & Commute: Easy to navigate, low stress.
• Proximity to Nature & Boston: Close to hiking trails and a major city for day trips.

CONS:

• High Housing Costs: A competitive and expensive real estate market.
• Limited Cultural Scene: Fewer major museums, concerts, and big-city amenities.
• Car Dependency: Limited public transit; you need a car.
• Colder Winters than the South: Still experiences true New England winters.
• Less Diversity: Less racially and culturally diverse than a major metro like Chicago.

The Bottom Line: Your choice boils down to a fundamental question: Do you want the pulse of the city or the peace of the suburbs? Chicago offers the world at your doorstep, but demands you navigate its challenges. Nashua offers a safe, high-quality, and financially savvy life, but requires you to accept a quieter, more limited scope. Choose wisely.