Category / Metric	Lee's Summit	Chicago
Financial Overview
Median Income	$100,625	$74,474
Unemployment Rate	4%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$380,000	$365,000
Price per SqFt	$167	$261
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$886	$1,507
Housing Cost Index	88.1	110.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.0	103.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	819.0
Bachelor's Degree+	—	45.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	28	38

Chicago vs. Lee's Summit: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're looking at two American cities that are worlds apart. On one side, you have Chicago, the Windy City—a sprawling, gritty, world-class metropolis that’s the beating heart of the Midwest. On the other, Lee's Summit, a polished, affluent suburb of Kansas City that’s all about quiet streets, big yards, and a slower pace.

This isn't just about geography; it's a lifestyle choice. Are you craving the electric energy of a global city, or do you want the peace of mind that comes with a tight-knit community? Let’s break it down, stat by stat, vibe by vibe.

The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Suburban Bliss

Chicago is a beast. It’s a city of 2.6 million people where the skyline is legendary, the lakefront is breathtaking, and the culture runs deep. You’ve got world-class museums, a food scene that’ll blow your mind, and a nightlife that doesn’t quit. But with that excitement comes chaos. It’s fast-paced, competitive, and often unforgiving. This city is for the hustlers, the artists, the foodies, and anyone who thrives on the energy of a million stories happening around you. If you need anonymity and endless options, Chicago delivers.

Lee's Summit is the picture of suburban perfection. With a population of just over 100,000, it feels like a town, not a city. It’s clean, safe, and incredibly family-oriented. The vibe is "front porch conversations" and "weekend soccer games." It’s a place where people put down roots, buy a starter home, and stay for decades. This city is for families seeking stability, professionals who want a quiet retreat after a long day, and retirees looking for a peaceful, safe community with easy access to Kansas City’s amenities. If you prioritize space, safety, and a slower rhythm, Lee's Summit is your spot.

The Verdict: It’s apples and oranges. Chicago wins for urban excitement and cultural depth. Lee's Summit wins for tranquility and community feel.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?

This is where the rubber meets the road. You might earn more in Lee's Summit, but does that money stretch farther? Let's look at the numbers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Category	Chicago	Lee's Summit	Winner
Median Home Price	$365,000	$380,000	Lee's Summit (Slightly)
Rent (1BR)	$1,507	$886	Lee's Summit (By a landslide)
Housing Index	110.7	88.1	Lee's Summit
Median Income	$74,474	$100,625	Lee's Summit

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Here’s the kicker. The median income in Lee's Summit is $100,625, which is 35% higher than Chicago's $74,474. But the cost of living, especially housing, is significantly lower. In Chicago, that $74k median income gets eaten alive by a $1,507 rent. In Lee's Summit, that $100k salary goes much further with an $886 rent.

Let’s run a scenario: You earn $100,000 in both cities.

In Lee's Summit, your money stretches like taffy. You can afford a nicer home, save more, and live more comfortably on the same salary. The Housing Index of 88.1 means you’re buying below the national average.
In Chicago, that same $100k feels tighter. You’ll likely live in a smaller space, pay more for utilities and groceries, and have less disposable income after housing costs. The Housing Index of 110.7 puts you well above the national average.

Taxes: Illinois has a steep 4.95% flat income tax, and Chicago adds its own sales tax. Missouri has a progressive income tax that tops out at 4.95% (for higher earners), but it’s generally considered slightly more favorable, and there’s no city income tax. This further boosts Lee's Summit's affordability.

The Verdict: For pure purchasing power, Lee's Summit is the undisputed champion. Your salary simply buys you a better quality of life there.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & Market Dynamics

Chicago:

Buy vs. Rent: It’s a renter’s market in many neighborhoods. The barrier to entry for buying is high, with a median home price of $365,000. Competition is fierce in desirable areas (Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park). You’ll face bidding wars and concessions are rare.
Availability: Inventory is tight, especially for single-family homes. The market is competitive but stabilized by high interest rates.

Lee's Summit:

Buy vs. Rent: It’s a strong buyer’s market. With a median home price of $380,000 (nearly identical to Chicago), you get significantly more space and land. The rental market is smaller but affordable.
Availability: More inventory of single-family homes, but the market is competitive for well-priced properties in top-rated school districts. It’s a seller’s market in the best neighborhoods, but with less frenzy than a major metro.

The Verdict: If you want to buy a home, Lee's Summit gives you more bang for your buck. If you’re content renting and want flexibility, Chicago has more options.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors

Traffic & Commute

Chicago: Brutal. The "L" is a lifesaver, but driving is a nightmare. Commutes can easily hit 45-60 minutes for a 15-mile distance. Parking is expensive and scarce. Public transit is a lifesaver but can be crowded and unreliable.
Lee's Summit: A breeze. Most commutes are under 30 minutes, even to downtown Kansas City. Traffic is predictable. You’ll drive everywhere, but it’s stress-free compared to a big city. Parking is free and plentiful.

Weather

Chicago: Legendary for its harsh winters. January averages 21°F, with lake-effect snow and biting winds. Summers are hot and humid. If you hate the cold, this is a dealbreaker.
Lee's Summit: Milder winters (36°F average) and hot, humid summers. You’ll deal with thunderstorms and the occasional ice storm, but you won’t be buried in snow for months. It’s a more manageable climate for most.

Crime & Safety

Chicago: This is the elephant in the room. The violent crime rate is 819.0 per 100k. While this is concentrated in specific neighborhoods, it’s a city-wide concern. You must be vigilant about where you live, work, and travel. Safety varies dramatically by block.
Lee's Summit: Extremely safe. The violent crime rate is 234.0 per 100k, which is significantly lower than the national average. It’s a place where people feel comfortable letting kids play outside and walking at night.

The Verdict: Lee's Summit wins decisively on safety, commute, and weather. Chicago offers the convenience of public transit but at the cost of stress and safety concerns.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which City?

This isn’t about one city being “better”—it’s about which one fits your life stage and priorities.

Winner for Families: Lee's Summit

Why: The combination of top-rated schools, incredibly low crime, affordable single-family homes, and a community-focused lifestyle is unbeatable. You can get a great house in a safe neighborhood for the price of a cramped Chicago apartment. The lower stress and more space are ideal for raising kids.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Chicago

Why: If you’re in your 20s or early 30s and want to build a career, network, and have an active social life, Chicago is the place. The job market is vast and diverse, the dating scene is lively, and the cultural offerings are endless. You’ll trade space and safety for unparalleled urban experiences. Lee's Summit would likely feel isolating for this demographic.

Winner for Retirees: Lee's Summit

Why: Safety, community, and affordability are key in retirement. Lee's Summit offers a peaceful, low-crime environment with excellent healthcare access (thanks to Kansas City). You can downsize or find a comfortable home without breaking the bank. The slower pace is conducive to a relaxed retirement, whereas Chicago’s chaos and cost can be draining.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

CHICAGO

Pros:

World-class culture, food, and entertainment
Robust public transportation
Vibrant job market across industries
Walkable, diverse neighborhoods
Stunning lakefront architecture

Cons:

High cost of living (especially rent)
High violent crime rate (819.0/100k)
Brutal winters and lake-effect snow
Terrible traffic and long commutes
High taxes (income and sales)

LEE'S SUMMIT