📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Portsmouth and Chicago
Head-to-Head Analysis
Portsmouth vs Chicago
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Portsmouth | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $57,109 | $74,474 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $275,000 | $365,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $186 | $261 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,287 | $1,507 |
| Housing Cost Index | 97.5 | 110.7 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 96.7 | 103.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 208.4 | 819.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 28.3% | 45.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 30 | 38 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're trying to decide between the Windy City and the Port City. This isn't just a coin flip between two places on a map; it’s a choice between two fundamentally different lifestyles, economies, and daily realities.
We're going to break this down head-to-head, using cold, hard data and some real-world context. No sugarcoating. By the end of this, you'll know exactly which city aligns with your life goals, your wallet, and your sanity.
The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Historic Coastal Town
Chicago is a world-class metropolis. It’s the "City of Big Shoulders," a place where ambition meets Midwestern practicality. Think iconic architecture, a legendary food scene (deep-dish is just the start), and a culture that never fully sleeps. The energy is palpable, the public transit is extensive (the 'L' gets you where you need to go), and the lakefront is a stunning urban escape. It’s for the go-getter who wants big-city amenities—major league sports, top-tier museums, and a nightlife that runs late—without the astronomical price tag of NYC or SF.
Portsmouth is a historic seaport with a small-town soul. Nestled in New Hampshire's Seacoast region, it’s all about cobblestone streets, a bustling harbor, and a tight-knit community feel. The pace is slower, the focus is on local shops, farm-to-table dining, and coastal activities. It’s a haven for those who crave four distinct seasons, proximity to both the ocean and the mountains, and a sense of place. This is for the person who prioritizes quality of life, safety, and a more manageable scale.
The Bottom Line:
- Chicago is for the urban professional, the culture vulture, and anyone who thrives on the energy of a major city.
- Portsmouth is for the coastal lover, the history buff, and those seeking a balanced, community-oriented lifestyle.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Take You?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk purchasing power. The data tells a clear story, but the context is key.
Salary Wars:
Let’s imagine you earn the median income for each city. In Chicago, that’s $74,474. In Portsmouth, it’s $57,109. That’s a $17,365 difference. But does it matter?
Let’s look at the cost of living. I’ve crunched the numbers into a table for a clear, apples-to-apples comparison.
| Expense Category | Chicago, IL | Portsmouth, NH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $365,000 | $275,000 | Portsmouth |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,507 | $1,287 | Portsmouth |
| Utilities (Monthly) | ~$175 | ~$200 | (Slight edge to Chicago) |
| Groceries | ~11% above nat'l avg | ~8% above nat'l avg | Portsmouth |
| Housing Index | 110.7 | 97.5 | Portsmouth |
Insight on Taxes:
This is a massive deal. New Hampshire has no state income tax on wages (though it does have a 5% tax on interest & dividends). Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax. On a $74,474 Chicago salary, you're paying about $3,686 to Springfield. In Portsmouth, on a $57,109 salary, you pay $0 state income tax. That’s a $3,686 difference right off the top.
Purchasing Power Verdict:
The "Portsmouth Premium" is real. While the salary is lower, the lack of state income tax and significantly lower housing costs mean your money stretches further. A $100k salary in Chicago feels like roughly $92,000 after state taxes and higher housing costs. In Portsmouth, a $100k salary feels closer to its full value. Portsmouth wins the dollar-for-dollar battle.
The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Fight?
Chicago:
- Buyer's Market? Sort of. With a Housing Index of 110.7, it's slightly above the national average, but the inventory is vast. You can find a condo in a desirable neighborhood for $300k or a single-family home for $400k+. Competition exists in hot areas like Lincoln Park or the West Loop, but the sheer scale of the market offers more options.
- Renting: The rental market is fierce, especially for nice 1BRs downtown. Expect to pay $1,500+ and deal with bidding wars for the best units. It's a classic renter's market where tenants have less leverage.
Portsmouth:
- Buyer's Market? It's a seller's market, and a tough one. A Housing Index of 97.5 seems better, but it's misleading. The supply is critically low. The median home price is $275,000, but finding a move-in-ready home at that price in the city proper is a challenge. You're likely competing with all-cash offers, often from retirees or investors. Expect to pay well over asking price and be prepared to move fast.
- Renting: The rental market is brutally competitive. With a population of under 100k and a desirable location, available units are scarce. The $1,287 median rent is just an average; you'll fight for any vacancy.
Housing Verdict:
- For Renters: It's a tough fight everywhere, but Chicago at least has more inventory. Edge: Chicago.
- For Buyers: Portsmouth is a beast to get into. Chicago offers more options and less crazy competition. Edge: Chicago.
The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety
Let's call these what they are: the things that can make or break your daily happiness.
Traffic & Commute:
- Chicago: Commuting is a way of life. The 'L' is a blessing, but driving is a curse. The average commute is 32 minutes, and traffic on the Dan Ryan or Kennedy Expressways at rush hour is legendary. If you work in the Loop, you'll likely use transit, which is efficient but can be crowded.
- Portsmouth: A different beast. The I-95 corridor is a major choke point, especially during summer tourist season. The commute within the city is easy, but if you work in nearby Dover or Exeter, you're at the mercy of highway traffic. Average commute is 24 minutes, but congestion can be unpredictable.
Weather:
- Chicago: Brutal winters. The data point of 21.0°F is the average January low. You get 60+ inches of snow annually, biting winds off the lake, and gray skies for months. Summers are glorious, hitting 90°F with humidity, but the lake breeze is a savior.
- Portsmouth: More moderate, but still New England. Winters average 22°F (slightly warmer than Chicago), but you get nor'easters with heavy, wet snow and coastal winds. Summers are idyllic, rarely oppressive, with ocean breezes keeping temps in the 80°F range.
Crime & Safety:
This is a stark difference, and the data doesn't lie.
- Chicago: The violent crime rate is 819.0 per 100k. This is a serious concern. While many neighborhoods are perfectly safe, others are not. Your experience is highly dependent on where you live and work. It requires a higher level of situational awareness.
- Portsmouth: The violent crime rate is 208.4 per 100k. This is nearly 4 times lower than Chicago. Portsmouth is consistently ranked one of the safest cities in New England. You can walk downtown at night without a second thought.
Dealbreakers Verdict:
- Commuter: Portsmouth (if you work locally).
- Weather Lover: Tie (Chicago for classic four seasons, Portsmouth for milder winters).
- Safety First: Portsmouth (by a landslide).
The Final Verdict: Who Wins the Showdown?
There is no single "better" city—it's about the right fit for you.
Winner for Families: Portsmouth
The safety factor is the biggest draw. Excellent schools, a strong community, and outdoor activities are all within easy reach. While the housing market is competitive, the overall quality of life for raising kids in a safe, walkable community is hard to beat. Portsmouth takes it.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Chicago
The career opportunities are vastly greater. The networking potential, the nightlife, the cultural scene, and the sheer diversity of people and experiences are unmatched. The higher salary potential offsets the higher costs. If you're looking to climb the corporate ladder or be in the center of the action, Chicago is your city.
Winner for Retirees: Portsmouth
This is a no-brainer. No state income tax is a huge win on a fixed income. The lower cost of living, milder winters (compared to the Midwest), and incredibly safe, walkable downtown make it an ideal retirement haven. Portsmouth wins decisively.
Chicago: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- World-class job market and career growth.
- Incredible food, arts, and entertainment scene.
- Extensive public transportation system.
- More housing inventory and options for buyers/renters.
- Vibrant, diverse neighborhoods to explore.
Cons:
- High violent crime rate (819.0/100k)—choose your neighborhood carefully.
- Brutal, long winters with heavy snow and wind.
- Traffic congestion is a daily reality.
- High state income tax (4.95%).
- Can feel overwhelming and impersonal.
Portsmouth: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Exceptionally safe (208.4/100k violent crime).
- No state income tax on wages.
- Beautiful coastal setting with easy access to ocean and mountains.
- Charming, historic downtown with a strong community feel.
- More moderate winters than the Midwest.
Cons:
- Extremely competitive housing market (both buying and renting).
- Limited job market outside of specific sectors (healthcare, tourism, tech).
- Summer traffic jams from tourists.
- Higher cost of groceries and utilities.
- Smaller scale—may feel limited if you crave constant big-city stimulation.
The Bottom Line: Choose Chicago if you're chasing career growth, urban energy, and don't mind the trade-offs for safety and weather. Choose Portsmouth if you prioritize safety, a tight-knit community, and coastal living, and are willing to fight for a spot in a tight housing market.