Category / Metric	Longmont	Chicago
Financial Overview
Median Income	$82,984	$74,474
Unemployment Rate	3.9%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$517,045	$365,000
Price per SqFt	$260	$261
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,548	$1,507
Housing Cost Index	148.7	110.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	94.3	103.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.26	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	492.9	819.0
Bachelor's Degree+	49.4%	45.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	33	38

Head-to-Head: Chicago vs. Longmont

The Ultimate Relocation Showdown for Your Next Chapter

Choosing where to plant your roots is one of life's biggest decisions. Are you craving the electric, 24/7 energy of a major metropolis, or do you dream of a quieter, community-focused life with a backdrop of mountains? Today, we're putting two wildly different American cities under the microscope: the iconic, gritty powerhouse of Chicago, Illinois, and the serene, growing gem of Longmont, Colorado.

This isn't just a list of facts. It's a real talk, data-driven guide to help you figure out where you'll thrive. Buckle up.

The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Serenity

First, let's talk feel. Chicago and Longmont are like comparing a roaring rock concert to a peaceful acoustic set in a park.

Chicago is a world-class city in the heart of America. It’s the "City of Big Shoulders"—a place of towering skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza, legendary blues clubs, and neighborhoods that feel like their own small towns. The culture is fast-paced, diverse, and unapologetically bold. You’ll find world-class museums, pro sports, and a nightlife that doesn’t quit. It’s for the urbanist who wants excitement, career opportunities, and endless entertainment at their doorstep. If you thrive on energy and anonymity, Chicago is your stage.

Longmont, on the other hand, is the quintessential Colorado lifestyle. Nestled on the Front Range with the Rocky Mountains as your backyard, it offers a slower, more intentional pace. Think farmers' markets, craft breweries, bike trails, and a strong sense of community. It’s not a sleepy town—it’s a growing, tech-friendly city with a population under 100,000. It’s for the outdoor enthusiast, the young professional seeking balance, or the family who wants space, safety, and access to nature without being miles from a Target.

Who is it for?

Chicago is for the culture seeker, the career climber, the foodie, and anyone who says "I'll sleep when I'm dead."
Longmont is for the nature lover, the work-life balance advocate, and those who want a quieter home base with easy access to bigger cities (like Denver and Boulder).

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Further?

Let's cut to the chase. A $100,000 salary goes a very different distance in these two places. This is the "purchasing power" showdown.

While Longmont has a slightly higher median income ($82,984 vs. Chicago's $74,474), the cost of living tells the real story. You'll get some sticker shock looking at the housing index.

Category	Chicago, IL	Longmont, CO
Median Home Price	$365,000	$517,045
Rent (1BR)	$1,507	$1,548
Housing Index	110.7	148.7
Violent Crime (per 100k)	819.0	492.9
Avg. Jan. Temp	21°F	50°F

The Salary Wars:

In Chicago: Your $100k feels like... well, a $100k in a major city. The tax burden is higher (IL has a flat 4.95% income tax, plus high property taxes), but housing can be more affordable if you're willing to live outside the trendy downtown core. A $365k median home price means a wider range of options—condos, townhomes, and single-family homes in residential neighborhoods are accessible. Your money goes further on everyday goods, and the lack of sales tax on groceries helps.
In Longmont: Your $100k feels like... $75k. The biggest hit is housing. That $517k median home price is 42% higher than Chicago's, and the housing index (148.7) screams "expensive." While Colorado has no state income tax (a huge plus), the high housing and property costs eat into that benefit. Rent is nearly identical, but buying a home is a much steeper mountain to climb here.

Verdict: For pure purchasing power, especially for homebuyers, Chicago wins. You get more square footage and home options for your dollar, even with taxes. Longmont's no-income-tax perk is largely offset by its skyrocketing housing costs.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Chicago: A Buyer's Market (with Caveats)
The Chicago market is more balanced. A $365k median price means you have options. You can find a decent condo in the city or a single-family home in the suburbs. The competition is fierce for prime locations (Lincoln Park, Wicker Park), but if you're flexible, you can find a place without a bidding war. For renters, the market is active but not as cutthroat as coastal cities. The key is neighborhood choice.

Longmont: A Seller's Market (Full Stop)
Longmont's housing market is red-hot. That $517k median price is driven by high demand from Denver/Boulder commuters and a desirable quality of life. Inventory is low, and homes sell quickly, often above asking price. If you're buying, you need to be prepared, patient, and financially strong. Renting isn't a cheap escape; $1,548 for a 1BR is steep for a city of its size, reflecting the intense rental demand.

Housing Winner: Chicago. It offers more affordability and a less frenzied buying environment, giving you more bang for your buck.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Chicago: Brutal. The "L" (elevated train) is a lifesaver, but if you drive, you're facing legendary congestion. The Kennedy and Dan Ryan expressways are parking lots during rush hour. Commutes can easily be 60-90+ minutes each way if you live far from work.
Longmont: Much easier. As a smaller city, commutes are shorter. However, if you work in Denver or Boulder, you'll deal with US-36 and I-25, which have significant rush hour traffic. A 30-45 minute commute to Denver is common, but it's a straight shot compared to Chicago's gridlock.

Weather

Chicago: This is a dealbreaker for many. Winters are long, dark, and bitterly cold (average 21°F in Jan). You'll deal with heavy snow, brutal winds ("The Hawk"), and grey skies for months. Summers are glorious but humid.
Longmont: The weather is a major draw. Winters are mild (50°F average Jan) with occasional snow that melts quickly. You get 300+ days of sunshine, low humidity, and four distinct but manageable seasons. It's ideal for year-round outdoor activity.

Crime & Safety

Chicago: The data is sobering. With a violent crime rate of 819.0 per 100k, it's significantly higher than the national average. Crime is highly neighborhood-dependent—some areas are perfectly safe, while others are best avoided. It requires street smarts and research.
Longmont: Much safer, with a rate of 492.9 per 100k. While no city is crime-free, Longmont's numbers are closer to the national average and offer a greater sense of security, especially for families.

The Dealbreakers Verdict: For weather and safety, Longmont is the clear winner. Chicago's brutal winters and higher crime rate are significant lifestyle factors.

The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here’s the breakdown.

Winner for Families: Longmont

Why: The combination of higher safety (492.9 vs. 819.0 crime rate), better weather, top-rated schools (St. Vrain Valley School District), and outdoor access is unbeatable for raising kids. While housing is expensive, the quality of life and community feel are ideal for family life. The trade-off in purchasing power is worth the secure, healthy environment.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Chicago

Why: For career growth, networking, and an electric social life, Chicago is unmatched. The lower cost of living (relative to salaries) and sheer volume of opportunities in finance, tech, and creative fields are huge. You can build a professional and social life rapidly. The $365k median home price also means homeownership is a more attainable long-term goal here than in Longmont.

Winner for Retirees: Longmont

Why: This one is close, but Longmont edges out Chicago for retirees. The mild climate (50°F avg) means no shoveling snow and easier mobility year-round. The lower crime rate provides peace of mind, and the walkable, scenic community supports an active, healthy lifestyle. While Chicago has world-class healthcare and cultural amenities, the physical challenges of its winters and urban environment make Longmont a more comfortable and safe choice for the golden years.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Chicago: The Urban Titan

PROS:

Unbeatable Culture & Food: World-class museums, theater, music, and every cuisine imaginable.
Career Hub: Massive job market across diverse industries.
Public Transit: The 'L' system is extensive (if aging).
Lower Housing Costs: More home for your money compared to Longmont.
Vibrant Nightlife & Energy: Always something happening.

CONS:

Brutal Winters: Long, cold, and grey.
High Crime Rate: Requires careful neighborhood selection and vigilance.
Traffic & Commutes: Can be soul-crushing.
High Taxes: Income and property taxes are significant.

Longmont: The Mountain Oasis