New York vs. Chicago: Too Tough? Let Us Help You Decide!

New York vs Chicago is one of the most trending debates among students seeking to study abroad in the USA. However, let’s begin with the starter, the question why? The Great American Dream attracts more than 10,00,000 students to the USA each year. Studying anywhere in the USA comes with the world’s greatest institutions for higher studies, an ultra-convenient lifestyle, global exposure, alongside never-ending fun. However, the toughest part of the job is to choose your city. You will have to navigate through a lot of things before choosing your alma mater place. 

But how? On what basis? We will be answering a number of questions, like cost, lifestyle, education, and safety. So, are you ready for the most intense competition ever? It may get as interesting as the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks nights. You never know! Let us find out the winner in New York vs Chicago!

Which Is Better For Students In New York vs Chicago?

Both cities, New York and Chicago, are among the largest cities in the USA. As of 2022 data, the GDP of Chicago is US$832.9 billion, and New York made it to the US$1.2 trillion mark in its GDP. We need to ponder upon many aspects, such as which has the best colleges, the great outdoors, career growth, income levels, and much more. What about food, shopping, and global culture? With such questions among many others on our mind, let us start to find the answers one by one in the segments below.

Chicago Or New York City: Factors To Consider!

In the following section, we walk you through a comparative exploration covering top universities, cost of living, lifestyle, and much more. Ready to uncover which city reigns supreme? Let's dive in! 

1. Top Universities: New York vs Chicago

If you want to study in the USA, you have some of the best universities in New York City. Some of the best colleges in New York include, Columbia University and New York University. Stony Brook University- SUNY, is a low-cost university with one of the top programs and faculty in the USA. Below is a table with a list of colleges in New York curated for you:

When we discuss Chicago colleges, the city is home to some of the best universities in the USA for higher education. Some of the most famous universities in Chicago include the University of Illinois, the University of Chicago, and Northwestern University. The below table will help you find the best Chicago colleges to study in the USA:

2. Living In NYC vs. Chicago: Cost Compared!

Cost is one of the most important factors when choosing the place you are going to call your second home. Remember, the cost of living in the USA always involves a good amount of housing. It can be because of their population, which is 8.3 million in New York and 2.6 million in Chicago, as per a recent census. The per sq. mile density of New York is 29,000+, whereas Chicago houses 12,000+ people per sq. mile. Choose any, student housing in Chicago or student housing in New York, and it might get a little heavier on your bank account. 

Overall, New York costs a notch higher as compared to the cost of living in Chicago. However, for a detailed comparison of the cost of living in New York vs Chicago, we need to look at a variety fo factors.

3. A Lifestyle Comparison: New York vs Chicago!

When you call for the answer to Chicago or New York City, it is never easy to determine which is best. However, we will try our best to give you the right perspective of judgment. 

In New York, experience the vibrant rhythm of city life amidst skyscrapers that mirror the soaring ambitions within. The city encompasses world-class entertainment, Michelin-starred dining, and a playground that invites you to dream more and do the most to indulge in the fineries of life. 

Now, if we change our view of the city of Chicago, it is just a calmer version of New York. In Chicago, you find a lifestyle that is not too overwhelming yet rewarding. Being a student in Chicago offers renowned museums, trendy neighbourhoods, and Michelin-rated restaurants, just with less crowds and more space. And we leave it to you to decide who wins here: Chicago or New York City? 

4. Who Wins In Career Opportunities?: Chicago vs NYC!

Any city that you choose, and not just the New York vs Chicago battle, must be ideal for your future and growth. While choosing the best city life, you need to look at many things, including career opportunities, entertainment, costs, climate, and everything else. The focus must be on job opportunities and financial security, where we see New York win with more opportunities and higher salaries. Below is the list of top jobs in Chicago and New York to help you further:

5. Student Communities In New York vs Chicago!

International students come to the USA attracted to the diversity and sense of security the country offers. The cities like New York and Chicago thrive with some of the best student communities in the world. Below is the list of student communities in Chicago versus New York:

6. Is Chicago Better Than New York In Climate?

Ah! We were waiting to reach here in Chicago vs NYC and end the rivalry, and it is the shortest comparison. Maybe even the Bulls and the Knicks will unite over this fact because there is none. Living in New York vs. Chicago feels the same, with the hot, humid climate. However, Chicago’s winters are appreciated more than those of New York’s, thanks to Chicago’s proximity to the Great Lakes and inland location. 

7. Which Is Safer?: New York vs Chicago

To find which is safer, Chicago or New York, we need to look at the crime rate in Chicago and the comparative crime rate in New York. While the crime rate involves many subparameters, we are judging the overall crime rate in Chicago and the crime rate in New York. 

According to Kaitlin Devaney, Department of Criminology, DePaul University, the crime rate in New York is 32%, whereas it is 42% in Chicago. Thus, it is safe to say that New York is safer in the Chicago vs New York City debate. 

Are we close to parting ways already? That can’t be true! However, we hope you have all the perspectives you need after reading the blog. Think we missed any? Feel free to comment below. Also, which city are you about to choose or are living in? Mind telling us in the comments below? Chicago or New York City, we welcome you to the USA with open arms and wish you all the best in all your endeavours. 

You may stay connected with us via our social channels, like Instagram or browse through interesting shorts on our YouTube channel.