Category / Metric	Burlington	Chicago
Financial Overview
Median Income	$68,854	$74,474
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$551,600	$365,000
Price per SqFt	$342	$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+	60.5%	45.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	36	38

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

So, you're torn between the Windy City and the Queen City of Lake Champlain. On paper, they seem like polar opposites—one a sprawling, fast-paced metropolis, the other a cozy, college-town gem nestled between mountains and a massive lake. But which one is actually right for you?

Let's cut through the fluff. As your relocation expert, I'm going to give you the straight talk, backed by hard data and a heavy dose of real-world perspective. We're not just looking at spreadsheets; we're talking about the life you'll actually live. Grab a coffee (or a deep-dish pizza), and let’s dive in.

The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Lakeside Charm

First, the personality test. This is where you feel the difference in your bones.

Chicago is a world-class city that just happens to be in the Midwest. It’s a place of towering skyscrapers, neighborhoods that feel like their own small towns, and a relentless, infectious energy. Think: world-class museums, a food scene that’s won Michelin stars, a brutal but passionate sports culture, and a lakefront that feels like an ocean. It’s for the ambitious, the culture vultures, and those who thrive on anonymity and endless options. If you want to get lost in the crowd and find everything you need within a 10-minute walk, this is your place.

Burlington, on the other hand, is quintessential Vermont. It’s a small city (population ~45k) that punches way above its weight class. The vibe is progressive, outdoorsy, and fiercely local. You're talking about a place where the mayor bikes to work, the local co-op is the social hub, and the biggest stressor is getting stuck behind a tractor. The backdrop is stunning—Lake Champlain on one side, the Green Mountains on the other. It’s for the nature lovers, the counter-culture seekers, and those who prioritize community over nightlife. If you want to know your barista by name and be on a hiking trail in 20 minutes, this is your spot.

Who is it for?

Chicago: The career-driven professional, the foodie, the arts enthusiast, the sports fanatic. Someone who wants big-city amenities without the coastal price tag of NYC or SF.
Burlington: The remote worker, the outdoor adventurer, the family seeking a safe, tight-knit community, the retiree who wants four beautiful seasons and a slower pace.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Richer?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk cold, hard cash. We'll assume a median income for each city to give you a baseline.

Category	Chicago	Burlington	The Insight
Median Income	$74,474	$68,854	Slight edge to Chicago, but not a dealbreaker.
Median Home Price	$365,000	$551,600	Sticker shock in Burlington. This is a huge factor.
Rent (1BR)	$1,507	$1,441	Surprisingly close, but Burlington is catching up fast.
Housing Index	110.7	101.7	Chicago is ~9% above national avg; Burlington is ~2% below.
Violent Crime/100k	819.0	173.3	Massive safety gap. Burlington is far safer.
Avg. Winter Temp	21°F	45°F	Burlington's milder winter is a huge lifestyle win.

Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Puzzle

Let's say you earn $100,000 a year. Where does it feel like more?

In Chicago, with a state income tax of 4.95% (flat rate) and no major local income tax (unlike NYC), your take-home is solid. Your $100k salary stretches surprisingly far for a major metro. The $365k median home price is actually lower than many coastal cities, and while rent is high, it's not San Francisco-level. The real kicker is the "Chicago Discount" on entertainment and dining. You can get a world-class meal for a fraction of what it costs in NYC. Your purchasing power is strong, especially if you avoid the most expensive North Side neighborhoods.

In Burlington, the math gets tricky. Vermont has a progressive income tax system, meaning higher earners pay more (top bracket is 8.75% on income over $213,150 for couples). But the real budget-killer is housing. That $551,600 median home price is brutal for a small city. It's driven by a perfect storm: low inventory, high demand from remote workers, and a desirable location. Rent is deceptively similar to Chicago, but buying a home is a monumental financial jump. Your $100k salary will feel pinched if homeownership is a goal. The saving grace? Vermont has no sales tax on clothing and groceries, and the overall quality-of-life perks (nature, safety) are free.

Verdict on Purchasing Power: Chicago wins for renters and buyers seeking affordability in a major metro. Burlington is a tough sell for aspiring homeowners on a median income. You're paying a premium for the lifestyle, and the salary doesn't quite match the housing costs.

The Housing Market: Renting vs. Buying

Chicago: A Renter's Paradise, A Buyer's Challenge

Chicago is famously a renter's city. Over 50% of residents rent. The market is massive and competitive, but you have options. You can find a vintage one-bedroom in a historic building for $1,300 or a modern high-rise for $2,500. The key is knowing the neighborhoods. Buying is more feasible than in many coastal cities, but it's a seller's market in desirable areas. Bidding wars happen, but they're not as cutthroat as in Boston or Seattle. The big advantage? Variety. From vintage walk-ups to sleek condos, your options are endless.

Burlington: A Seller's Market with a Side of "Good Luck"

Burlington's housing market is tight, competitive, and expensive. With a tiny population and limited land, inventory is chronically low. The $551,600 median home price is a stark reality. It's a strong seller's market. If you're buying, you need to be prepared to act fast, possibly waive contingencies, and pay over asking. Renting isn't much easier. While the average rent is similar to Chicago, availability is scarce. Landlords can be picky, and you might face a waiting list for a decent place. The upside? Once you're in, you're in. The community is stable, and neighbors stick around.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Chicago: The CTA (L trains and buses) is a lifeline. A car is optional in many neighborhoods, but if you have one, prepare for gridlock. The expressway system is a notorious nightmare during rush hour. Average commute time is 35 minutes.
Burlington: Traffic is a non-issue. You can cross the city in 15 minutes. Most people drive, and parking is generally easy and free outside the downtown core. Commutes are short and stress-free.

Weather: The Brutal Truth

Chicago: Winters are long, gray, and brutally cold. The famous wind makes 21°F feel like -10°F. Snow is a given. Summers are glorious but can be humid and hit 90°F+. It's a city of extremes.
Burlington: Winters are milder (45°F avg) but snowy thanks to lake-effect snow. It's more "cozy winter" than "dangerous polar vortex." Summers are idyllic—warm, dry, and perfect for the outdoors. It has the most balanced, beautiful seasons of the three.

Crime & Safety

This is a stark contrast. Chicago's violent crime rate of 819.0/100k is a national talking point for a reason. It's a complex issue of segregation, poverty, and gang violence that is highly concentrated in specific neighborhoods. It is absolutely safe in vast swathes of the city (Lincoln Park, Lakeview, the Loop), but you must be neighborhood-aware. Burlington's rate of 173.3/100k is incredibly low for any U.S. city. It feels safe, and statistically, it is. This is a massive win for families and anyone prioritizing peace of mind.

The Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?

Winner for Families: Burlington
The data doesn't lie. The combination of excellent public schools (Vermont is consistently top-ranked), extremely low crime, a strong sense of community, and unbeatable access to outdoor activities makes Burlington a haven for raising kids. The housing cost is the only major hurdle, but for families prioritizing safety and quality of life, it's often worth the premium.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Chicago
If you're in your 20s or 30s and building a career, Chicago is the undisputed champion. The job market is vastly larger and more diverse. The social scene is unmatched—endless bars, clubs, concerts, and networking events. You can build a professional network that spans industries. The cultural amenities (museums, theater, dining) are world-class. You get big-city energy without the insane price tag of NYC.

Winner for Retirees: Burlington
This was close. Chicago offers incredible cultural access and walkability. But Burlington wins on safety, manageable size, and natural beauty. The slower pace, the stunning seasons, the health-focused community, and the lower stress of daily life are perfect for retirement. The healthcare system in Vermont is strong, and the environment promotes an active, healthy lifestyle.

Final Pros & Cons

Chicago

Pros:

World-class amenities: Culture, food, sports, and arts on a global scale.
Strong job market: Diverse industries with high earning potential.
Excellent public transit: A car is optional in many neighborhoods.
Neighborly feel: Distinct neighborhoods create small-town vibes within the city.
Relative affordability for a major metro.

Cons:

High violent crime rate (though highly neighborhood-dependent).
Brutal winters with extreme cold and wind.
Traffic congestion can be severe.
High taxes: Illinois has a flat income tax and high property taxes.

Burlington