Can someone tell me why I shouldn’t pick Chicago if my comp is going to be similar to NYC given the lower COL? I’ve been to both cities numerous times, but never really explored either extensively, so I feel like I may have missed out on all NYC has to offer, but imo they both seem like large cities with similar things to offer. Can anyone chime in?
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Here's the conclusion I came to with a friend from NYC who's a die-hard NYC fan while I'm more of a Chicago fan. What % of NYC do you think you will take advantage of? If you make 6-figures and take advantage of 90-100% of NYC then it's worth going to NYC (clubbing / bars / concerts, every weekend) because there's a uniquely NY experience element
But if you instead make 6-figures and think you'll only take advantage of maybe 50-60% (or less), then easily choose Chicago. Another way of putting it is, Chicago is 80% of NYC for 60% the cost. You'll get great restaurants / great nightlife etc (with also easier access to nature vs living in heart of Manhattan) in Chicago (Top 3 city in the U.S. by GDP) -- it won't be 100% of what NYC has but 80% of more than enough for most people (~80% of folks) from what I've seen.
Both are great cities and both have some pretty un-safe parts so it's pretty much a wash there. South Side of Chicago rightfully gets a bad rap, but you will never set foot in there anyway (kind of like going to the Bronx while living in Manhattan). North Side is roughly just as safe as likes of Manhattan / Brooklyn.
I had the option to move to NYC from a MCOL city with no pay jump and took the opportunity. It was worth it.
I think anyone who asks this question should just go to Chicago. If you aren’t thrilled by the prospect of working in NYC, I don’t think you’ll like it. It’s a very tough city, so you have to embrace the grind and be psyched to wake up at the center of the financial world every day, even if you live in a piece of shit apartment and it’s 35 degrees / raining.
I used to feel that way about NYC, but once I felt the city had lost its “magic” I moved on to a place with easier living
Especially considering this question is asked like once a week.
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