đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between South Burlington and Chicago
Head-to-Head Analysis
South Burlington vs Chicago
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
Candidate A
South Burlington
VT
Cost Index 100
Median Income $97k
Rent (1BR) $1441
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | South Burlington | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $97,229 | $74,474 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.6% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $474,400 | $365,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $300 | $261 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,441 | $1,507 |
| Housing Cost Index | 101.7 | 110.7 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 96.3 | 103.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 173.3 | 819.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 65.1% | 45.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 36 | 38 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
The Ultimate Head-to-Head: Chicago vs. South Burlington
You're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the Windy City—a sprawling, iconic metropolis with deep roots and endless hustle. On the other, a charming lakeside gem in Vermont—quaint, outdoorsy, and quietly prosperous. This isn't just a choice between two cities; it's a choice between two completely different lifestyles. As your relocation expert, I’m here to cut through the noise and give you the straight facts, the cold hard numbers, and a healthy dose of opinionated advice. Let’s settle this: Chicago or South Burlington?
The Vibe Check: Concrete Jungle vs. Lakeside Serenity
First, let’s talk about the air you’ll be breathing—literally and metaphorically.
Chicago is the quintessential American big city. It’s a powerhouse of culture, architecture, food, and industry. The vibe is electric, ambitious, and unapologetically fast-paced. You’re trading backyard barbecues for rooftop patios with skyline views. It’s for the person who craves anonymity in a crowd, who wants world-class museums, a thriving nightlife, and job opportunities that span every industry imaginable. The energy here is relentless, and if you’re not into it, it can feel overwhelming. But for the right person, it’s invigorating.
South Burlington is the polar opposite. With a population of just 20,488, it’s a slice of New England life at its most picturesque. Nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain, with the Adirondack Mountains as a backdrop, the vibe is laid-back, active, and community-focused. Life revolves around the outdoors—hiking, skiing, biking, and sailing—and a strong sense of local pride. It’s for the person who prioritizes quality of life over hustle, who wants a short commute, clean air, and a tight-knit community feel. It’s peaceful, but it’s not for someone who needs constant stimulation or a vast array of urban amenities.
Who is each city for?
- Chicago: The ambitious professional, the culture vulture, the foodie, the sports fanatic, and anyone who thrives on the energy of a major metro.
- South Burlington: The outdoor enthusiast, the remote worker seeking tranquility, the family looking for a safe, nature-centric upbringing, and the retiree who wants four seasons of beautiful scenery.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?
This is where the rubber meets the road. A high salary means nothing if your cost of living eats it all up. Let’s break down the cold, hard cash.
Cost of Living Snapshot
| Category | Chicago | South Burlington | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $365,000 | $474,400 | Sticker shock in VT. South Burlington is 30% more expensive to buy a home. |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,507 | $1,441 | Surprisingly close. Chicago rent is slightly higher, but the gap is minimal. |
| Housing Index | 110.7 | 101.7 | Chicago’s housing market is 10% more expensive than the national average. South Burlington is slightly above average but more affordable than Chicago. |
| Median Income | $74,474 | $97,229 | Big difference. South Burlington households earn $22,755 more on average. |
Let’s talk purchasing power. If you earn $100k in Chicago, your money goes further in housing (buying or renting) but gets hit hard by other costs. The combined sales tax is 10.25%, and Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. Your take-home pay is ~$71,500 after taxes (federal + state + FICA).
If you earn $100k in South Burlington, you’re starting with a higher median, but the cost of entry is steep. Vermont has a progressive income tax (up to 8.75% on income over $200k, but for $100k it’s around 6.6%). Sales tax is 6% (6.0% state, 0% local). Your take-home pay is **$70,500** after taxes. The difference in take-home is negligible.
The Verdict on Purchasing Power:
South Burlington wins on paper with a higher median income, but Chicago offers more bang for your buck in the critical housing category. However, you’ll need a high-paying job to crack into South Burlington’s market. Chicago’s lower entry point for housing is a massive advantage for first-time buyers or renters.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Chicago: The Competitive Giant
- Buying: The median home price of $365,000 is relatively accessible for a major city. However, the market is fiercely competitive, especially in desirable neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, or the West Loop. Expect bidding wars and quick decisions. It’s a seller’s market in the hot areas, but more balanced in the outer boroughs and suburbs.
- Renting: The rental market is vast. You can find everything from a studio in a vintage walk-up to a luxury high-rise. At $1,507 for a 1BR, it’s expensive but not as punishing as NYC or SF. Availability is generally good if you have flexibility, but popular areas move fast.
South Burlington: The Tight Market
- Buying: With a median price of $474,400, getting into the market is a serious financial commitment. The housing stock is limited—this is a small city with strict zoning and a finite amount of land. Inventory is chronically low, making it a very strong seller’s market. You’re competing with locals, out-of-state buyers (often retirees or remote workers), and vacation home seekers. Patience and a ready-to-go mortgage pre-approval are non-negotiable.
- Renting: Surprisingly, renting is nearly as expensive as buying. A 1BR at $1,441 is high for a town of its size, reflecting the low supply. Vacancy rates are razor-thin. Finding a place can be as competitive as buying.
Housing Winner: Chicago. While it’s more expensive than the national average, the sheer volume of options and a (slightly) more accessible entry point for buying make it the better choice for most people looking to plant roots without an exorbitant down payment.
The Dealbreakers: Where Life Happens
Traffic & Commute
- Chicago: Brutal. The city is built on a grid system, but the Lake Michigan geography funnels traffic. The “El” train system is a lifesaver, and the bus network is extensive. If you can live and work near public transit, you can avoid a car. The average commute is ~35 minutes. If you have to drive, prepare for gridlock and expensive parking ($200+/month).
- South Burlington: A non-issue. The entire city is compact. Most commutes are under 15 minutes. You can bike, walk, or drive with ease. Parking is generally free and plentiful. This is a massive quality-of-life win.
Weather
- Chicago: Famous for its brutal winters. The data point of 21.0°F is the average low temp in January, but the wind chill makes it feel much colder. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+). You get four distinct seasons, but you must be prepared for cold, gray months.
- South Burlington: Also has four seasons, but it’s colder and snowier. The average January low is 12°F, and snowfall is significant. Summers are mild and beautiful, with average highs in the 80s. The key difference? South Burlington has more sunshine in the winter than Chicago. If you hate gray skies, Vermont might be better, but the cold is more intense.
Crime & Safety
This is the most significant data-driven difference.
- Chicago: The violent crime rate is 819.0 per 100,000 people. This is a stark number that requires context. Crime is highly concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Areas like the Loop, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview are statistically very safe, while others struggle. You must research neighborhoods meticulously.
- South Burlington: The violent crime rate is 173.3 per 100,000 people. This is over 4.5 times lower than Chicago’s. It’s one of the safest cities in America. You can leave your bike unlocked (don’t, but you could) and feel safe walking at night.
Safety Winner: South Burlington, by a landslide. This is a dealbreaker for families and anyone prioritizing peace of mind.
🏆 The Verdict: Who Should Pack Their Bags?
After crunching the data and weighing the lifestyles, here’s your final call.
Winner for Families: South Burlington
- Why: The safety profile is unbeatable. The public schools are excellent (the South Burlington School District is highly rated). The access to outdoor activities is unparalleled for child development. The trade-off is a higher housing cost and a smaller, less diverse cultural scene.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Chicago
- Why: The career opportunities are in a different league. The social, dating, and nightlife scene is infinite. The energy matches the ambition of this life stage. You can find a community for any interest. The lower entry point for renting and the public transit infrastructure make it feasible to build a life.
Winner for Retirees: South Burlington (with a caveat)
- Why: If you’re an active retiree who loves nature and values safety, South Burlington is a paradise. However, it’s a strong caveat. The cost of living is high, and Vermont’s healthcare system, while good, can have longer wait times for specialists compared to a major medical hub like Chicago (which has world-class hospitals). For retirees who need top-tier, accessible healthcare, Chicago might be a better choice.
Final Pros & Cons
Chicago: The Urban Titan
Pros:
- World-class job market and career growth.
- Endless cultural, dining, and entertainment options.
- Iconic architecture and lakefront beauty.
- Robust public transit (if you use it).
- More affordable entry-level housing than other top-tier metros.
Cons:
- High violent crime rate (neighborhood-dependent).
- Brutal winters and humid summers.
- Traffic congestion and high parking costs.
- Higher overall taxes (income, sales, property).
South Burlington: The Natural Oasis
Pros:
- Extremely low violent crime rate.
- Unbeatable access to outdoor recreation (lake, mountains, trails).
- Short commutes and easy, traffic-free living.
- Strong, stable local economy with a high median income.
- Beautiful, clean environment with four distinct seasons.
Cons:
- Very high housing costs for its size and location.
- Limited cultural and dining options (it’s small).
- Harsh, snowy winters.
- Can feel isolated; far from other major cities.
- Competitive, low-inventory housing market.
The Bottom Line: Choose Chicago if your career, social life, and budget are your top priorities, and you can navigate a complex urban environment. Choose South Burlington if your priority is safety, outdoor living, and community, and you have the financial means to buy into a tight housing market. It’s not a choice between better and worse—it’s a choice between two different definitions of the good life.