City Comparison
Chicago vs Schaumburg
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Schaumburg scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Chicago
Schaumburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Schaumburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
8% lower than in Chicago.
Housing costs are a major driver: Chicago's average rent is
11% higher than Schaumburg's.
| Metric | Chicago | Schaumburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,050 | $1,850 | +11% |
| Groceries | $450 | $420 | +7% |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 | 0% |
| Transport | $130 | $130 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $260 | $240 | +8% |
| Monthly Total | $3,065 | $2,815 | +9% |
| Cost Index | 118 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Chicago offers similar average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Schaumburg delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Chicago is estimated at
$60,000 vs $62,000 in Schaumburg.
| Metric | Chicago | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $62,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 66,102 idx | 69,643 idx |
| Household Income | $76,223 | $91,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.6°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Chicago sees 1.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Chicago | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.40°F | 50.80°F |
| Summer High | 81.00°F | 82.30°F |
| Winter Low | 19.00°F | 17.20°F |
| Rainfall | 32.80 in | 34.40 in |
| Snowfall | 28.50 in | 27.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 260 | 255 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Schaumburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Chicago.
Chicago scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Chicago leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Chicago | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 75.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 78.0/100 | 48.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Chicago is the larger city
— approximately 33.9x the population of Schaumburg.
From a growth perspective, Schaumburg is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Schaumburg has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Chicago | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,665,000 | 78,723 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.40% |
| Median Age | 35.5 | 39.5 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.00% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Chicago
Advantages
Extensive and reliable public transit network via the CTA 'L' trains and buses covering the entire city
World-class cultural attractions, including the Art Institute of Chicago and world-renowned dining options
18 miles of continuous public lakefront trail and numerous sandy beaches along Lake Michigan
Significantly more affordable housing compared to coastal tech hubs like New York and San Francisco
Diverse and resilient economy anchored by multiple Fortune 500 headquarters and major financial institutions
Drawbacks
Severe winter weather with freezing temperatures and significant snowfall averaging 28.5 inches annually
High property and sales taxes that contribute to a higher overall cost of living burden
Persistent violent crime challenges concentrated in specific neighborhoods on the south and west sides
Heavy traffic congestion on major expressways during peak morning and evening commuting hours
State pension obligations and local fiscal deficits that put pressure on municipal services and taxation
Schaumburg
Advantages
Home to Woodfield Mall, one of the largest shopping destinations in the United States, offering extensive retail and dining options.
Consistently low crime rates and proactive local policing make it one of the safest communities in the region.
Exceptional park district maintaining over 70 parks, community centers, and recreational facilities for residents.
Strong corporate employment base with major headquarters located directly within the municipal boundaries.
Convenient access to Interstate 90 provides efficient commuting routes to downtown Chicago and O'Hare International Airport.
Drawbacks
Cook County property taxes are among the highest in the nation, putting a heavy financial burden on homeowners.
High level of car dependency outside of core commercial zones, leading to heavy traffic congestion around major retail hubs.
Overall cost of living sits noticeably above the national average, driven primarily by housing and local tax structures.
Winters can be harsh and prolonged, bringing heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures that limit outdoor activities.
Lack of a rapid transit rail station directly within the village center requires reliance on buses or driving to reach Metra stations.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Chicago
#531Illinois, USA
50.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,050
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
118
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
75.0/100
Walkability
78.0/100
Sunny Days
260/yr
Avg Temp
51.40°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
78
Business
74
Schaumburg
#237Illinois, USA
62.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,850
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
112
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
255/yr
Avg Temp
50.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
4.00%
Livability
82
Business
81
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