Costs of living continue to increase, and a big-city lifestyle makes no exception. In fact, calling many of the country’s metropolitan areas home could cost you more than twice the national average of standard living. The ACCRA Cost of Living Index recently released the top 10 most expensive urban areas to live in, and New York City, San Francisco and California’s Orange County all made the cut. Chicago, however, down at #14, brings that Second-City lifestyle without wiping out much of your income.
In addition to lower living expenses, a Chicago home will cost you less than a home in most major cities, according to the Index. Compared with Chicago, here’s how much housing would cost in these major cities:
New York City: 213% more
San Francisco: 121% more
Los Angeles: 89% more
Washington, D.C.: 68% more
Boston: 18% more
Seattle: 16% more
Portland, OR: 0% more/less
Las Vegas: 0% more/less
The cost of owning a Chicago home or Chicago condo doesn’t quite rank among other noteworthy cities. Chicago real estate in the most exclusive buildings might only cost you the average price of a New York City home (about $1.1 million). Even Las Vegas, a city often thought to have all the hustle-and-bustle of a major city for a lower cost doesn’t offer any more value than a Chicago home.
Not to mention that Chicago can hold its own among the offerings of other cities. Buying a Chicago home might cost less, but the city is rich in culture, history, architecture, shopping, dining and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Chicago is lucky to be home to a number of spectacular museums, along with many buildings that present some of the finest architecture in the country. You’ll also find upscale shopping along the Magnificent Mile, , first-class dining throughout every many neighborhoods and one of the best symphonies in the world—all of which can be found just up the block from the exquisite Chicago homes. And with luxury living so obtainable, you’ll have plenty left to enjoy it.
If you want to learn more about the opulent lifestyle Chicago offers, please contact agent Sheldon Salnick at (312) 264-5853 or email him at ssalnick@Rubloff.com.
Why a Chicago Home is Perfect for Young Professionals | Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Condos, Lakeview & Lincoln Park Condos in Chicago // Feb 9, 2010 at 12:26 pm
[...] income. Chicago real estate provides all the glamour, convenience and luxury of big-city living at a fraction of what it would cost in New York, San Francisco, D.C. or Los Angeles. Even Chicago’s finest luxury new construction homes cost less per square foot than the average [...]