📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between South Jordan and Chicago
Head-to-Head Analysis
South Jordan vs Chicago
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | South Jordan | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $126,974 | $74,474 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.6% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $605,745 | $365,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $229 | $261 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,301 | $1,507 |
| Housing Cost Index | 118.6 | 110.7 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 93.0 | 103.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 233.0 | 819.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 46.5% | 45.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 112 | 38 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
The Ultimate Relocation Showdown: Chicago vs. South Jordan
Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're standing at a crossroads between two completely different worlds. On one side, you have Chicago, the Windy City—a sprawling, gritty, world-class metropolis where the trains rattle, the deep-dish pizza flows, and the skyline is a masterpiece of ambition. On the other, you have South Jordan, a polished, master-planned suburb of Salt Lake City—a haven of safety, stunning mountain views, and a community built around family and outdoor living.
Choosing between them isn't just about picking a ZIP code; it's about fundamentally choosing a lifestyle, a pace, and a set of values. As your relocation expert, I'm not here to give you a dry list of facts. I'm here to tell you which city feels like home, where your hard-earned money actually stretches, and which one will give you the life you want.
Buckle up. We're diving deep.
The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back Suburbia
Chicago is a city that never apologizes for itself. It's loud, proud, and relentlessly energetic. Think world-class museums, a bistro on every corner, a sports culture that borders on religious, and a skyline that will literally take your breath away. The vibe is "You can do anything here." It's for the person who craves anonymity in a crowd, who wants to stumble upon a hidden jazz club at 2 AM, and who believes that the best cities are the ones that challenge you. It's a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality, from the historic brownstones of Lincoln Park to the artistic pulse of Wicker Park.
South Jordan is the picture of suburban perfection. It's quiet, orderly, and meticulously maintained. The vibe is "You can build a perfect life here." It's a community of cul-de-sacs, top-rated schools, and Friday night lights. The culture revolves around family, faith (the influence of the LDS church is significant), and access to the outdoors. You're never more than a 20-minute drive from a mountain trail or a pristine lake. It's for the person who values safety, community, and a slower pace, who sees a Saturday hike as the highlight of their week, and who wants to raise kids in a predictable, supportive environment.
Who is each city for?
- Chicago is for the Urban Explorer. The young professional, the artist, the foodie, the sports fanatic, the person who thrives on energy and wants endless entertainment and career opportunities at their doorstep.
- South Jordan is for the Family Builder. The suburbanite, the outdoor enthusiast, the person who prioritizes safety, space, and a strong community network over the hustle of a downtown core.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Actually Go?
This is where the rubber meets the road. You can love a city's vibe, but if your bank account is screaming for mercy, it won't last. Let's talk purchasing power.
First, the raw numbers. South Jordan boasts a median income that's 70% higher than Chicago's. That's a massive head start. But it's not the whole story.
Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | Chicago | South Jordan | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $74,474 | $126,974 | South Jordan |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,507 | $1,301 | South Jordan |
| Median Home Price | $365,000 | $605,745 | Chicago |
| Housing Index | 110.7 | 118.6 | Chicago |
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 819.0 | 233.0 | South Jordan |
Let's unpack this. South Jordan wins on rent, but the gap is narrower than you might think. The real story is the home price. The median home in South Jordan is nearly $600k, a staggering 66% more expensive than Chicago's $365k. This is the "suburban premium"—you pay for the space, the schools, and the safety.
The Salary Wars:
If you earn $100,000 in Chicago, you're earning 34% more than the median. Your purchasing power is strong, but you're fighting the city's higher taxes and costs. If you earn $100,000 in South Jordan, you're earning less than the median ($126,974). Your money will feel tighter here because the cost structure is built for higher earners.
Insight on Taxes: Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%, which can be a burden for middle and high earners. Utah also has a flat income tax of 4.5%, slightly lower. However, Chicago has high property taxes (often over 2% of home value), which can be a nasty surprise for homeowners. South Jordan's property taxes are also significant but are partially offset by lower state income tax. The bottom line: South Jordan's higher income comes with a higher cost of living, but Chicago's lower income is squeezed by taxes and a high cost of urban living.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Chicago: The Renter's Paradise (with a path to ownership)
Chicago is a buyer's market for housing. The inventory is vast, and prices are relatively stable. The median home price of $365,000 is accessible for a dual-income household or a professional with a solid salary. Renting is also a fantastic option, with a robust rental market offering everything from high-rise apartments to classic garden units. The competition is fierce for the "perfect" apartment, but you have options.
South Jordan: The Seller's Fortress
South Jordan is a classic seller's market. The median home price of $605,745 is a high barrier to entry. You're competing with other families and professionals who have the same goals: a safe neighborhood, good schools, and a yard. The competition is intense, and bidding wars are common. Renting is slightly cheaper, but the rental inventory is limited, as most people are here to buy and put down roots.
Verdict: If you want to own a home with less financial strain, Chicago is your play. If you have a higher budget and are ready to compete for a suburban lifestyle, South Jordan is the goal.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life in the Real World
Traffic & Commute
Chicago is a nightmare of traffic, but it's a public transit paradise. The 'L' train and bus system are a lifeline. The average commute is 35 minutes, but you can often ditch the car entirely. The trade-off? The CTA can be... an experience.
South Jordan is built for cars. Commutes are easy on wide, clean roads, and you rarely hit a true traffic jam. The average commute is 25 minutes. However, the Salt Lake City metro area is notorious for its "inversion"—a winter weather phenomenon where cold air traps pollution in the valley, leading to some of the worst air quality in the country for weeks at a time.
Weather: The Great Divider
Chicago winters are brutal. We're talking 21°F averages, relentless winds that freeze your bones, and snow that sticks around. Summers can be hot and humid. It's a city of four distinct, sometimes extreme, seasons.
South Jordan has a high desert climate. Winters are cold (often below freezing) but typically sunny and dry. Summers are hot and dry, with highs often in the 90s. The key advantage? The low humidity makes it far more tolerable than a humid summer in Chicago. The biggest weather perk? Unbeatable access to the Wasatch Mountains for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
Crime & Safety
This is the most stark contrast.
Chicago has a high violent crime rate of 819 per 100,000. It's a city of neighborhoods, and safety varies dramatically block by block. You must be savvy and aware of your surroundings, especially at night and in certain areas.
South Jordan is exceptionally safe, with a violent crime rate of 233 per 100,000. It's the kind of place where kids ride bikes around the neighborhood and you don't think twice about leaving your door unlocked. For families, this is a massive, non-negotiable advantage.
The Verdict: There Is No One "Best" City
After weighing the data, the lifestyle, and the trade-offs, here’s my final breakdown.
🏆 Winner for Families: South Jordan
- Why: The safety, the top-tier schools, the family-centric community, and the space. The higher home price is the cost of admission for a secure, community-focused upbringing. The outdoor access is a huge bonus for active families.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Chicago
- Why: The career opportunities, the cultural and social scene, the lower barrier to entry for housing (renting or buying), and the sheer energy. You can build a vibrant, independent life without needing a six-figure salary to start.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: South Jordan (with a caveat)
- Why: If you value safety, low crime, and a peaceful community, South Jordan wins. The lack of state income tax on Social Security benefits in Utah is a plus. The major caveat is the healthcare system. Chicago has world-renowned hospitals and a denser network of specialists, which can be critical in retirement. If top-tier medical access is your priority, Chicago might be the better long-term choice.
Final Pros & Cons
Chicago: The Gritty, Glorious City
- Pros:
- World-class food, arts, and entertainment.
- Robust public transit system (can live car-free).
- More affordable homeownership.
- Incredible career opportunities across industries.
- A true 24/7 city energy.
- Cons:
- High violent crime rate. Research is mandatory.
- Brutal winters and humid summers.
- High taxes (income and property).
- Can feel overwhelming and impersonal.
South Jordan: The Polished, Peaceful Suburb
- Pros:
- Extremely low crime and high safety.
- Excellent public schools and family-friendly environment.
- Unbeatable access to outdoor recreation (mountains, lakes, skiing).
- Clean, orderly, and modern infrastructure.
- Strong community feel.
- Cons:
- Very high cost of homeownership.
- Social scene is limited; can feel homogenous.
- Car-dependent lifestyle.
- Winter air quality (inversion) can be a health issue.
- Higher income needed to live comfortably.
The Bottom Line: Choose Chicago if you want a city that challenges you, excites you, and offers endless possibilities. Choose South Jordan if you want a safe, beautiful, and community-oriented place to build a family life. Your budget and your personal priorities will make the final call.