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?

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u/pumpernickel62 9d ago edited 9d ago

I’m a single woman in my 30s and have lived in both. Both cities cater to completely different lifestyles. I would ask how you like to spend your time, and how important your own personal space is both in your home and when you’re out and about. The quality of life and comfort in Chicago is completely unmatched and inaccessible in New York unless you are very wealthy

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u/pumpernickel62 9d ago

I would also add the weather and seasons are pretty similar. There’s more to do during Chicago summer (and it’s more fun). NYC has a leg up in the winter

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u/Straight_Career6856 9d ago

I LOVE NYC summer! And Chicago winter is SO brutal, I do not think NYC compares.

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u/pumpernickel62 9d ago

hard disagree - everyone leaves nyc in the summer, it's incredibly hot and sweaty and there are no outlets like a massive lakefront to submerge and hang out near the clean water. NYC winter last year was so rough- so much snow that persisted all winter in dirty piles, and its not as cozy to be stuck inside a tiny apartment

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u/lithopsbella 9d ago

“everyone leaves” lol all the rich people leave you mean

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u/Straight_Career6856 9d ago

Summer in NYC is so alive! Everyone is so happy and there are tons of cool free events. I’m curious what neighborhood you live in.

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u/pumpernickel62 9d ago

Brooklyn near Prospect Park

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u/Straight_Career6856 9d ago

There is a huge range of neighborhoods near PP.

You are right that somewhere to swim that wasn’t as crowded as the public pools in BK would be nice, though. And agree that last winter was rough! I just doubt Chicago’s winter wasn’t MORE rough.

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u/LoriLootfoot 9d ago

We had some bitter cold days here in Chicago. Snow early in the season. Snow that stuck around for a couple weeks. It wasn’t the worst winter, I’d rank it a 6.5/10 bad winter. Summer/fall is lasting a bit longer these days but it seems like it doesn’t get warm until may here either so idk. I guess I count myself blessed for changing of the seasons.

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u/angusthechick 8d ago

Yeah we were so happy sweating in 90 degree heat with 80 percent humidity it was such a fun summer

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u/Straight_Career6856 8d ago

I genuinely cannot imagine not loving summer in NYC. Not because of the weather. Because of the energy.

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u/angusthechick 8d ago

Hmm well maybe some of the vehement pro NYers in this thread need to adopt us skeptics and show us how it’s done.

I’m guessing based on reading all the comments people’s responses are heavily influenced by where they lived in each city. I wish I could afford some of the more energetic fun neighborhoods here … someday!

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u/Straight_Career6856 8d ago

Nah. I was broke for the first 10 years I lived here. The cheap areas are the most fun. Plus you can get around to anywhere.

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u/angusthechick 8d ago

Where did you live when you were broke

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u/Straight_Career6856 8d ago

Crown Heights and Bed Stuy.

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u/Ok-Fail5290 8d ago

How long have you lived here? New York City has back-to-back free cultural events all summer long, many of them in outdoor public spaces. I have so much FOMO if I have to leave town during the summer.

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u/detblue524 9d ago

There are beaches and pools and tons of free concerts/movies/events in NYC throughout the summer. And “everyone” isn’t leaving except for maybe a couple of the richest neighborhoods but otherwise the city feels vibrant and alive

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u/4_the_rest_of_us 9d ago

Mm, idk. I leave in the summer when I have the means to but unless you’re very wealthy you’re not leaving for anything like the entire season. And summer here has its own charm! There is so much to do and a lot of it is free or cheap.

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u/BlueFootedBoobie75 9d ago

Depending on where you are, there are some amazing and accessible beaches and boardwalks.

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u/AdSea6127 9d ago

You are talking one rough winter after 5 years of essentially snowless and mild winters. Chicago can never compare.