đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Williston and Chicago
Head-to-Head Analysis
Williston vs Chicago
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Williston | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $84,309 | $74,474 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.6% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $345,000 | $365,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $185 | $261 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $837 | $1,507 |
| Housing Cost Index | 106.9 | 110.7 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 91.1 | 103.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 315.5 | 819.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 25.7% | 45.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 31 | 38 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Head-to-Head: Chicago vs. Williston – City Showdown
Alright, let's cut through the noise. You’re trying to decide between Chicago and Williston. On paper, they’re both American cities, but in reality, they’re from different planets. One is a global powerhouse with deep history, world-class museums, and deep-dish pizza. The other is a rugged, no-nonsense boomtown in the heart of the Great Plains, built on agriculture and energy.
This isn’t just about picking a place to live; it’s about choosing a lifestyle. Are you craving the electric energy of a metropolis, or do you want the open skies and a quieter pace? As your relocation expert, I’ve crunched the numbers and lived the vibes. Let’s break it down.
The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metropolis vs. Gritty Boomtown
Chicago is the "City of Big Shoulders." It’s a cultural heavyweight—think the Art Institute of Chicago, legendary blues clubs, and a food scene that goes way beyond hot dogs. The vibe is fast-paced, intellectually stimulating, and fiercely proud. You’ll find massive diversity, distinct neighborhoods, and a skyline that takes your breath away. It’s for the urbanite who thrives on options: endless nightlife, pro sports, and a career in finance, tech, or the arts. However, be prepared for the hustle. It’s crowded, competitive, and the winters are brutal.
Williston is the definition of a frontier town, but with 21st-century oil money. Located in the Bakken Formation, it’s been a boom-and-bust town for decades. The vibe is laid-back, community-focused, and deeply practical. It’s surrounded by vast, flat farmland and prairie. There’s no traffic, and the stars are brilliant at night. It’s for the self-reliant, those who love the outdoors (hunting, fishing, ATVs), and people who value space and silence over a bustling arts scene. It’s a place where you can own a big piece of land without breaking the bank, but you’ll trade cultural amenities for wide-open skies.
Who is each city for?
- Chicago: The career-driven professional, the culture vulture, the foodie, and anyone who needs a 24/7 city at their doorstep.
- Williston: The remote worker, the outdoor enthusiast, the oil/gas/agriculture worker, and anyone seeking a low-cost, high-space lifestyle away from the coastal chaos.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. At first glance, Williston looks like a steal. But let’s dig into the purchasing power.
First, a crucial note on taxes: Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. North Dakota has a progressive income tax, but it tops out at 2.5% for high earners, and there are significant property tax breaks for homeowners. This gives Williston a built-in advantage for take-home pay.
Now, let’s look at the numbers. We’ll assume a median income of $100,000 for this comparison to see where your money goes further.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Category | Chicago, IL | Williston, ND | The Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $74,474 | $84,309 | Williston |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,507 | $837 | Williston |
| Median Home Price | $365,000 | $345,000 | Williston |
| Housing Index | 110.7 | 106.9 | Williston |
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 819.0 | 315.5 | Williston |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% Flat | Progressive (Max 2.5%) | Williston |
Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Paradox
With a $100,000 salary, your take-home pay in Williston is significantly higher due to the lower state income tax. Let’s say you take home roughly $75,000 after federal taxes and a conservative estimate for ND state taxes. In Chicago, after IL state taxes, you’d take home closer to $70,000.
In Williston, your housing costs (rent or mortgage) will consume a much smaller percentage of that take-home pay. You can easily afford a larger home or save aggressively. In Chicago, that $1,507 rent for a 1BR is just the start. You’ll pay more for parking, dining out, and entertainment.
Sticker Shock vs. Bang for Your Buck:
- Chicago has sticker shock. Going out for dinner, a Cubs game, or parking downtown adds up fast. Your dollar is stretched thin by high demand and high taxes.
- Williston offers incredible bang for your buck. You can buy a large house with a yard for less than a Chicago condo. However, be warned: costs for goods, services, and even groceries can be inflated due to the remote location and oil-driven economy. It’s not a cheap place to live overall, but the housing value is exceptional.
Verdict on Money: For pure purchasing power and housing affordability, Williston wins. But Chicago offers a higher ceiling for career earnings in corporate sectors, which can offset the higher costs if you climb the ladder.
The Housing Market: Renting vs. Buying
Chicago:
- Renting: It’s a renter’s market with endless options, from luxury high-rises in the Loop to classic walk-ups in Lincoln Park. Competition is fierce, and prices are high but relatively stable. Leases are standard.
- Buying: The market is competitive but not insane. You can find homes in the $300k-$400k range in solid neighborhoods, but they go quickly. It’s a seller’s market in desirable areas, but you have options. Property taxes are notoriously high (often 2-3% of home value), which is a major ongoing cost.
- Availability: Good inventory, but location is everything. Commute times can vary drastically based on where you live.
Williston:
- Renting: The rental market is tight and can be volatile. During oil booms, prices spike, and availability plummets. It’s less predictable than Chicago. During busts, it’s a renter’s paradise.
- Buying: This is where Williston shines for homeowners. The median home price is $345,000, but you get far more square footage and land. The market is generally a buyer’s market with decent inventory. Property taxes are lower than in Illinois, and North Dakota has a homestead credit for homeowners.
- Availability: Housing stock is limited for a city of its size. New construction happens, but it’s not constant. You may need to be patient.
Verdict on Housing: Williston is the clear winner for buyers looking for space and value. Chicago is better for renters who want flexibility and proximity to work/amenities without a long-term commitment.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
This is where personal preference overrides data.
Traffic & Commute
- Chicago: Brutal. Congestion is legendary. The "L" and train system is extensive but often crowded and subject to delays. A 10-mile commute can take 45 minutes. Owning a car in the city is expensive (parking, insurance, city stickers).
- Williston: Nonexistent. You can get anywhere in town in under 10 minutes. Commutes are a breeze. This is a massive quality-of-life upgrade for many. You’ll likely need a car, and in winter, you’ll need a 4WD vehicle.
Weather
- Chicago: The ultimate dealbreaker. Winters are long, dark, and punishing. Average January low is 21°F, but wind chills can plunge to -20°F. Snowfall is significant. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+). You must be prepared for all four seasons in the extreme.
- Williston: The "N/A" tells the story. North Dakota winters are among the toughest in the U.S. Expect months of sub-zero temps, blizzards, and wind. Summers are warm and can be hot, with severe thunderstorms. This is not a climate for the faint of heart. It makes Chicago’s winter feel mild by comparison.
Crime & Safety
- Chicago: The elephant in the room. The violent crime rate of 819.0 per 100k is alarming. However, crime is hyper-local. Neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and the Gold Coast are very safe. Areas on the South and West Sides struggle. You must research specific neighborhoods.
- Williston: Significantly safer. A rate of 315.5 per 100k is about half the national average. The small-town feel and community focus contribute to lower crime. However, like any boomtown, it sees issues related to substance abuse and transient populations.
Verdict on Dealbreakers:
- Commute: Williston wins decisively.
- Weather: Chicago wins slightly, only because its winters, while harsh, are less extreme than North Dakota’s. Both are challenging.
- Safety: Williston is objectively safer across the board.
The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?
This isn’t about one city being "better." It’s about which city is better for you.
🏆 Winner for Families: Williston
Why? Lower crime, bigger homes for less money, and a strong sense of community. The space for kids to run and safe neighborhoods are big draws. The trade-off is limited cultural activities and a very isolated winter.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Chicago
Why? The career opportunities are unparalleled. The social scene, dating pool, nightlife, and endless entertainment are exactly what many young professionals crave. You’ll pay for it in rent and commute, but the experience is unmatched.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Williston
Why? If you can handle the cold, the cost of living is a major advantage. Safe, quiet, and low-stress. You can live comfortably on a fixed income. Chicago is possible but expensive, and the city's pace can be overwhelming.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
Chicago - Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- World-class cultural institutions (museums, theater, music).
- Incredible and diverse food scene.
- Robust public transportation (when it works).
- Massive job market across industries.
- Vibrant, dense neighborhoods with character.
- Cons:
- Extremely high cost of living (esp. rent, taxes, parking).
- Brutal winters and humid summers.
- Traffic congestion is a daily reality.
- Violent crime is a serious concern in many areas.
- High-stress, fast-paced environment.
Williston - Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Incredible housing value (more space for your money).
- Very low state income tax and lower property taxes.
- Near-zero traffic and commute times.
- Safer with a lower crime rate.
- Access to outdoor recreation (hunting, fishing, hiking).
- Cons:
- Extreme weather (among the coldest winters in the U.S.).
- Limited cultural amenities (museums, concerts, fine dining).
- Isolated – long drives to major cities.
- Economy is heavily tied to oil/agriculture (boom/bust cycles).
- Smaller, less diverse population.
The Bottom Line: Choose Chicago if you prioritize career momentum, culture, and urban energy, and can handle the costs and winters. Choose Williston if you prioritize affordability, space, safety, and a slower pace, and can endure the extreme climate and isolation.