Quincy vs Chicago

Category / Metric	Quincy	Chicago
Financial Overview
Median Income	$92,085	$74,474
Unemployment Rate	4.7%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$687,500	$365,000
Price per SqFt	$416	$261
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,377	$1,507
Housing Cost Index	148.2	110.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.7	103.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.83	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	819.0
Bachelor's Degree+	52.6%	45.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	38	38

Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between Chicago and Quincy.

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Chicago vs. Quincy: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

You’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, the Windy City—a sprawling, iconic metropolis of 2.6 million people, deep-dish pizza, and architectural marvels. On the other, Quincy—a historic New England gem of just over 100,000 residents, perched on the Mississippi River, offering a slower, more scenic pace.

Choosing between them isn't just picking a zip code; it's choosing a lifestyle.

Let’s cut through the noise. I’ve crunched the numbers on cost, safety, weather, and livability to give you the unvarnished truth. Whether you’re a young professional chasing opportunity, a family looking for roots, or a retiree seeking peace, this guide is for you.

The Vibe Check: Big City Pulse vs. River Town Charm

Chicago is the quintessential major American city. It’s a 24/7 powerhouse of culture, sports, and world-class dining. The vibe is electric, demanding, and unapologetically fast-paced. You’re trading quiet for convenience—everything you could ever want is within arm’s reach, from the Art Institute to Wrigley Field. It’s for the ambitious, the social, and those who thrive on energy.

Quincy is a different beast entirely. It’s the "Gem City," a historic town with a tight-knit community feel. Life moves at a human pace here. The vibe is grounded, friendly, and deeply connected to its riverfront roots. You trade the endless options of a metropolis for a strong sense of place, lower stress, and a connection to nature. It’s for those who value community over crowds and seek a balanced, settled life.

Who is it for?

• Chicago: Young professionals, culture hounds, foodies, and those who need the hustle to feel alive.
• Quincy: Families, retirees, remote workers, and anyone seeking a "big town, small city" feel with historic charm.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. You might earn more in Quincy, but does it go as far? Let’s look at the raw data.

Cost of Living Comparison Table

Category	Chicago, IL	Quincy, MA	The Takeaway
Median Income	$74,474	$92,085	Quincy wins on paper.
Median Home Price	$365,000	$687,500	Sticker Shock Alert. Quincy homes cost ~88% more.
Rent (1BR)	$1,507	$2,377	Rent is 57% higher in Quincy.
Housing Index	110.7	148.2	Quincy's housing market is 34% more expensive relative to national averages.
Violent Crime	819.0 / 100k	234.0 / 100k	Quincy is ~3.5x safer by the numbers.
Avg Winter Temp	21.0°F	48.0°F	Quincy is 27°F warmer in winter.

Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Puzzle

Let’s play with the numbers. If you earn $100,000 in Chicago, your take-home pay after Illinois taxes (which include a flat 4.95% income tax) is roughly $74,000. In Quincy, with Massachusetts’ progressive income tax (top rate 5%), you’d take home about $73,000.

So, you’re earning $100k in both cities but taking home nearly the same. Now, where does that money feel like more?

In Chicago, your $1,507 rent for a 1BR leaves you with significantly more disposable income. You can afford a great lifestyle—dining out, Cubs games, concerts—without breaking the bank. The "bang for your buck" on entertainment and dining is exceptional.

In Quincy, that same $100k salary gets crushed by the $2,377 rent. Your housing costs are 57% higher, eating a massive chunk of your budget. While groceries and utilities might be comparable, the housing premium in Quincy is a serious dealbreaker for many.

Verdict: Chicago wins on Purchasing Power. Unless you’re in a dual-income household or have a senior-level salary, Quincy’s high housing costs can make that median income feel tight.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Chicago

• Buyer’s/Seller’s Market: Currently a Balanced Market with slight lean toward buyers due to high interest rates. Inventory is increasing, giving buyers more options and negotiating power than in the pandemic boom.
• Renting: The rental market is vast and competitive, but with $1,507 for a 1BR, it’s one of the more affordable major metros. You have endless neighborhoods to choose from, from the luxury of the Gold Coast to the trendy vibes of Logan Square.
• Buying: The median home price of $365,000 is accessible for many. You can find condos, townhomes, and single-family homes in the city and suburbs. The challenge isn’t price, but property taxes, which are notoriously high in Illinois.

Quincy

• Buyer’s/Seller’s Market: Firmly a Seller’s Market. Quincy is a historic town with limited space for new development. Inventory is chronically low, driving prices up. Competition is fierce, often leading to bidding wars.
• Renting: The rental market is tight and expensive. With a median rent of $2,377, it’s among the pricier suburbs near Boston. Finding a good deal requires patience and connections.
• Buying: The median home price of $687,500 reflects Quincy’s desirability as a historic, Boston-adjacent community. It’s a steep entry point. You’re paying a premium for location, history, and charm.

Verdict: Chicago offers more housing flexibility and affordability. Quincy’s market is expensive and competitive, favoring established buyers or high earners.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Chicago: Public transit is king. The "L" and buses make car-free living a breeze. However, if you drive, rush hour traffic on the Dan Ryan or Kennedy Expressways can be brutal. Commute times average 35-45 minutes.
• Quincy: You’re at the mercy of the MBTA. The Red Line connects you to Boston, but delays are common. A commute into Boston can easily be 45-60 minutes. Driving is more common, and while traffic isn’t Chicago-level, it’s not light.

Weather

• Chicago: Winters are brutal. Average temp of 21.0°F with biting winds, heavy snow, and gray skies for months. Summers are glorious, but the weather extremes are a major lifestyle factor.
• Quincy: A huge advantage here. With an average winter temp of 48.0°F, you avoid the deep freeze. You get four distinct seasons without the polar vortex. Snow happens, but it’s manageable. The trade-off? Humidity in summer and nor'easters in winter.

Crime & Safety

• Chicago: The data is stark. A violent crime rate of 819.0 per 100k is high. Important Note: Crime is hyper-local. Neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and the Gold Coast are very safe, while others struggle. You must research specific areas.
• Quincy: Significantly safer. A rate of 234.0 per 100k is below the national average. It’s a community-oriented town where safety is a point of pride.

Verdict: Quincy wins on Safety and Weather. Chicago’s transit is superior, but Quincy’s overall comfort and security are hard to beat.

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The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Life Stage?

🏆 Winner for Families: Quincy

• Why: Superior safety, better weather (kids can play outside more), and a strong sense of community. The schools are generally well-regarded. While housing is expensive, the trade-off is a stable, family-friendly environment. You’re buying into a lifestyle, not just a house.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Chicago

• Why: The energy is unmatched. Affordable rent (relative to income) means you can build a social life, explore diverse neighborhoods, and access world-class career opportunities. The dating scene, nightlife, and cultural options are in a different league. Quincy can feel sleepy for this demographic.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Quincy

• Why: Proximity to Boston’s medical care, milder winters, lower violent crime, and a peaceful, walkable historic setting. While taxes are high, the quality of life, safety, and community make it an ideal place to settle down. Chicago’s hustle and harsh winters are less appealing in retirement.

Final Pros & Cons

Chicago Pros:

• ✅ Purchasing Power: Your salary goes further, especially on rent.
• ✅ World-Class Amenities: Endless dining, culture, sports, and entertainment.
• ✅ Robust Public Transit: Car-free living is a viable reality.
• ✅ Diverse Neighborhoods: Find a vibe that matches your personality.

Chicago Cons:

• ❌ Crime: High violent crime rates require neighborhood research.
• ❌ Harsh Winters: Long, dark, and freezing cold.
• ❌ High Taxes: Property and sales taxes are steep.
• ❌ Traffic & Crowds: Congestion and density are part of daily life.

Quincy Pros:

• ✅ Safety: Significantly lower crime rates.
• ✅ Milder Weather: Avoid the brutal Midwest winters.
• ✅ Historic Charm: Beautiful, walkable town with riverfront views.
• ✅ Community Feel: Tight-knit, friendly, and slower-paced.

Quincy Cons:

• ❌ High Cost of Living: Especially housing (rent and buy).
• ❌ Limited Options: Fewer dining, nightlife, and cultural choices.
• ❌ Commute to Boston: Can be long and unreliable.
• ❌ Competitive Housing Market: Hard to find and expensive to buy.

The Bottom Line: If you value energy, affordability, and endless options, Chicago is your city. If you prioritize safety, community, and a milder climate (and can afford the premium), Quincy is your home. Choose wisely.