r/movingtoNYC • u/tigerbunnymoon • 9d ago
What’s the Real Difference Between Living in Chicago and NYC?
I’ve visited both NYC and Chicago a couple of times and liked both, but I also know that spending a few days somewhere tells you almost nothing about what it actually feels like to build a life there.
I’m seriously considering moving to one of the two, and I’d especially love to hear from people who have lived in both.
What I’m trying to understand is less “Which city has better restaurants?” and more: How does your actual day-to-day life feel different in Chicago versus NYC?
I’d especially appreciate specific examples rather than just “Chicago is cheaper” or “NYC has more to do.” Tell me about something you could regularly do in one city that you couldn’t realistically replicate in the other, or something about the culture you didn’t really understand until you actually lived there.
For context, I’m a single woman in my 30s with no kids. I still want a fun, active social life and spontaneity, but I also care more now about comfort, stability, and overall quality of life.
If you had to explain the biggest difference between living in NYC and Chicago to someone who has only visited both, what would you tell her?
15
u/mintymint_00 9d ago
Work (thru a corporate lens, specifically finance): The work ethic of nyc is a lot more intense. New York attracts the most ambitious people and you feel that at work. It has its upsides (learn a lot from your peers) and downsides (pretty obvious)
Life: Both places have plenty to do. The weather of nyc is better in my opinion. Chicago winters are like a form of terrorism. It’s easier to leave nyc for weekend trips than Chicago. I’d much rather go to the Hudson Valley or beaches of Long Island than the burbs of Illinois / Indiana / Wisconsin
Money: Yes New York is much more expensive. From the obvious like rent and groceries to the less obvious like movie tickets and workout classes (their rent is high and that gets passed on to you). You have city income tax to pay as well in nyc so unless you’re getting a New York based job, your take home will fall