📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Peoria and Chicago
Head-to-Head Analysis
Peoria vs Chicago
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Peoria | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $97,296 | $74,474 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $516,000 | $365,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $256 | $261 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,424 | $1,507 |
| Housing Cost Index | 124.3 | 110.7 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 98.4 | 103.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 189.0 | 819.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 34.4% | 45.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 42 | 38 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between Chicago and Peoria.
The Windy City vs. The River City: A Relocation Showdown
So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the electric, sprawling metropolis of Chicago—a city of deep-dish pizza, world-class museums, and a skyline that pierces the clouds. On the other, you have Peoria—a historic river town in Illinois that promises a quieter, more affordable, and perhaps unexpected quality of life.
Choosing between them isn’t just about picking a zip code; it’s about choosing a lifestyle. As your Relocation Expert, I’ve crunched the numbers, analyzed the vibes, and sorted through the data to give you the real story. Let’s dive in.
1. The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back River Town
Chicago is the heavyweight champion of the Midwest. With a population of 2.6 million, it’s a global hub for finance, culture, and sports. The energy is palpable—you feel it in the rush-hour L trains, the packed stadiums, and the endless calendar of festivals. It’s a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own identity, from the historic brownstones of Lincoln Park to the trendy lofts of the West Loop. This is for the thrill-seeker, the career-driven professional who wants every option at their fingertips: high-end dining, avant-garde theater, and a nightlife that doesn’t quit.
Peoria, with a population of just under 200,000, offers a completely different rhythm. It’s the quintessential "heartland" city—warm, community-focused, and built around the Illinois River. Life here moves at a more manageable pace. You’re not fighting crowds; you’re enjoying riverfront walks, local breweries, and a strong sense of local pride. It’s a city where you can know your neighbors and still have access to solid amenities. This is for the pragmatist, the family focused on stability, or the professional seeking a better work-life balance away from the urban grind.
Who is it for?
- Chicago: The urbanite who craves diversity, anonymity, and endless cultural stimulation.
- Peoria: The person who values community, accessibility, and a slower, more grounded lifestyle.
2. The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. You might assume the bigger city is more expensive, but the data tells a more nuanced story.
Let’s look at the raw cost of living data. While Peoria’s median income is surprisingly high, its housing costs are steeper than you might expect for a mid-sized city.
| Expense Category | Chicago | Peoria | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $365,000 | $516,000 | Sticker Shock Alert: Peoria is 41% more expensive to buy a home. This is a massive factor. |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,507 | $1,424 | Slight Edge: Peoria is marginally cheaper to rent, but the difference is minimal ($83/month). |
| Housing Index | 110.7 | 124.3 | The Verdict: Peoria’s housing market is significantly tighter and pricier relative to its size. |
| Median Income | $74,474 | $97,296 | The Plot Twist: Peoria’s median income is 31% higher, which helps offset those high home prices. |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s say you earn $100,000. In Chicago, your purchasing power is challenged by high rent and a competitive housing market, but your income is slightly below the city's median. In Peoria, your $100k salary is above the median, giving you a relative advantage. However, that advantage is heavily eroded by the $151,000 price gap in median home values.
Taxes: Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%, which applies to both cities. Property taxes are notoriously high in Illinois, and they can vary wildly by neighborhood and county. Chicago (Cook County) and Peoria (Peoria County) both have significant property tax burdens, which should be factored into your monthly housing costs.
The Insight: Peoria offers higher median salaries, but Chicago provides more housing options at a lower entry price point. If you’re a homeowner, Chicago is more affordable. If you’re a high earner looking to maximize savings, Peoria’s income advantage could be compelling, but you’ll be paying a premium for real estate.
3. The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & Availability
Chicago: The Renter’s Playground with Buying Barriers
- Renting: Vast and diverse. You can find a studio in a high-rise or a vintage walk-up. Competition is fierce, but inventory is high.
- Buying: The market is competitive but offers more variety. You can find condos, townhomes, and single-family homes across many price points. It’s a Seller’s market in popular neighborhoods, but there are more opportunities for entry-level buyers than in Peoria.
- Availability: High. With over 2.6 million people, the turnover is constant.
Peoria: The Homeowner’s Market with Fewer Doors
- Renting: Limited inventory. You’re mostly looking at apartments or older homes. The rental market isn’t as fluid.
- Buying: This is where Peoria shines if you can afford the entry price. The $516k median home price suggests a market with strong demand and limited supply of starter homes. It’s a Seller’s market, likely driven by the high median income and desire for larger, single-family homes.
- Availability: Low. With a smaller population, there are simply fewer homes for sale or rent at any given time.
Verdict: If you’re looking to rent, both are viable, but Chicago has more options. If you’re looking to buy, Chicago offers more affordable entry points, while Peoria is for those ready to invest in a higher-priced market.
4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Chicago: Infamous. The "L" (elevated train) is a lifesaver, but driving is a nightmare. Average commute times are long, and traffic is a daily reality. Winner: Peoria (by a landslide). Traffic is negligible, and you can get anywhere in the city in under 20 minutes.
Weather
- Chicago: Brutal winters. The data point of 21.0°F is just the average in January; wind chills can plunge well below zero. Summers are hot and humid, but the lake breeze offers relief. It’s a city of distinct, often harsh, seasons.
- Peoria: Milder. The 55.0°F average reflects a more moderate climate. Winters are still cold and can see snow, but it’s generally less severe than Chicago. Summers are hot and humid, similar to the rest of the Midwest.
- Winner: Peoria for a more manageable climate, but Chicago for the glorious summer lakefront.
Crime & Safety
This is a critical, unvarnished look. Safety is a top priority, and the data is clear.
- Chicago: Violent crime rate of 819.0 per 100k. This is a high number. While crime is heavily concentrated in specific neighborhoods, the city-wide rate is a significant concern for many. It requires vigilance and choosing your neighborhood carefully.
- Peoria: Violent crime rate of 189.0 per 100k. This is 4.3 times lower than Chicago. While no city is crime-free, Peoria’s statistics paint a much safer picture overall.
- Winner: Peoria. The data is unambiguous here. For families and anyone prioritizing safety, Peoria has a massive advantage.
5. The Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart (and Your Wallet)?
This isn’t about which city is "better"—it’s about which city is better for you. Here’s the final breakdown.
Winner for Families: Peoria
Why: The trifecta of safety (189.0 violent crime rate), manageable traffic, and a strong community feel makes it ideal for raising kids. While home prices are high, the higher median income and lower crime rates outweigh the financial stretch for many families.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Chicago
Why: Nothing beats Chicago for career opportunities, networking, and social life. The cost of living is high, but the cultural and professional capital is unbeatable. Renting is a viable way to experience the city without the commitment of a $365k+ home purchase.
Winner for Retirees: Peoria
Why: A slower pace, milder winters, lower crime, and a more affordable day-to-day lifestyle (in terms of services and entertainment) make it a haven for retirees. The higher median income also suggests a community with a stable economic base, which can support services for seniors.
Final Pros & Cons
Chicago: The Pro & Con List
- Pros:
- World-class culture, dining, and entertainment.
- Robust public transit (The "L").
- Endless professional opportunities.
- Diverse neighborhoods with distinct characters.
- Stunning Lake Michigan waterfront.
- Cons:
- Extremely high violent crime rate (819.0/100k).
- Brutal, windy winters and humid summers.
- Legendary traffic and long commutes.
- High cost of living, especially for homeowners (high property taxes).
- Can feel overwhelming and impersonal.
Peoria: The Pro & Con List
- Pros:
- Significantly safer (189.0/100k violent crime).
- Very low traffic; easy commutes.
- Strong, tight-knit community feel.
- Higher median income ($97,296) than Chicago.
- Milder winters and manageable summers.
- Cons:
- Sky-high home prices ($516,000 median).
- Limited cultural and entertainment options.
- Smaller job market (more specialized industries).
- Fewer rental options and a less dynamic housing market.
- Can feel too quiet or lacking in diversity for some.
The Bottom Line: If your priority is career growth, urban energy, and cultural access, and you can navigate the safety and weather challenges, Chicago is your city. If your priority is safety, community, and a quieter life, and you’re prepared to invest in a pricier housing market, Peoria offers a compelling, high-quality alternative.