Chicago, IL, and Baltimore, MD, posses unique characteristics that significantly influence the living experience. These range from factors like crime and safety, weather, and cost of living to their culture and food scene. This comparison will delve into these aspects to provide a clearer picture of what life in these two cities entails.
Distance between
Chicago, IL and
Baltimore, MD : 605.8 miles
Chicago's population is larger by 368%. Its population has decreased by 199,461 people (6.9%) since 2000. The population of Baltimore has decreased by 74,656 people (11.5%) during that time.
Both Chicago and Baltimore rank high when it comes to crime rates in the U.S. However, Baltimore is known to have a higher violent crime rate compared to Chicago. Meanwhile, Chicago experiences elevated levels of gang violence in specific neighborhoods, which contributes significantly to its overall crime statistics. Therefore, while both cities face challenges regarding safety, the risk levels may differ from one neighborhood to another.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,391 registered sex offenders living in Chicago and 1,557 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Chicago is 798 to 1; the ratio in Baltimore is 395 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Chicago than in Baltimore.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living in Chicago is higher compared to Baltimore. This disparity presents across several categories such as healthcare, groceries, and housing. However, both cities have neighbourhoods that cater to a variety of budget ranges.
Income Tax
Illinois, home of Chicago, has a flat income tax rate of 4.95%, while Maryland, where Baltimore is located, uses a bracketed system ranging from 2.00% to 5.75% in addition to a local tax imposed by the city or county.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Chicago are typically higher compared to Baltimore. Cook County, where Chicago is located, has an average effective property tax rate of 2.12%, while the corresponding figure for Baltimore stands at 1.14%.
Sales Tax
In terms of sales tax, Chicago has one of the highest rates in the country at 10.25%. On the other hand, Baltimore, which follows the state's rate, sits at 6%.
Income
Type
Chicago
Baltimore
Estimated median household income
$66,576
$54,652
Estimated per capita income
$43,217
$35,091
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
104.8
105.7
If you make $50,000 in Chicago, you will have to make $50,429 in Baltimore to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Chicago is located in the Midwestern United States by Lake Michigan, while Baltimore is situated on the East Coast by the Patapsco River and the Chesapeake Bay, offering distinct waterfront experiences.
While both cities boast notable higher learning institutions, such as University of Illinois in Chicago and Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, there are differences in K-12 education. Chicago’s public school system is larger, with more resources and better funding. Baltimore also encounters more challenges, ranging from underfunding to lower graduation rates.
Both cities have diverse economies, with Chicago boasting a larger and more robust economic structure. Chicago has a larger GDP and a more diversified economy with strong sectors in finance, manufacturing, and technology. Meanwhile, Baltimore has an economy largely dependent on the health, science and technology sectors.
Biggest Employers
Chicago’s largest employers are diverse, including JPMorgan Chase, Walgreens, Boeing, and the University of Chicago. Baltimore, on the other hand, has major employers like Johns Hopkins University and Health System, University of Maryland Medical System, and government bodies.
There were 414 building permits issued in Chicago in 2012 (200 more than in 2011) compared to 191 building permits issued in Baltimore in 2012 (116 more than in 2011).
In Chicago (Cook County), 74.0% voted for Democrats and 24.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Baltimore (Baltimore city), 87.4% voted for Democrats and 11.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Chicago
Baltimore
Chicago
Baltimore
Chicago
Baltimore
2020
74.6%
87.5%
24.1%
10.7%
1.3%
1.8%
2016
74.4%
84.8%
20.9%
10.5%
4.7%
4.6%
2012
74.0%
87.4%
24.6%
11.1%
1.4%
1.4%
2008
76.4%
87.6%
22.9%
11.7%
0.7%
0.6%
2004
70.3%
82.5%
29.2%
17.1%
0.6%
0.5%
2000
69.0%
82.9%
28.8%
14.2%
2.3%
2.9%
1996
66.8%
79.3%
26.7%
15.5%
6.5%
5.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Chicago
Baltimore
Chicago
Baltimore
CATHOLIC CHURCH
37.5%
11.0%
11.1%
8.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.9%
0.6%
1.8%
1.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
1.0%
4.3%
4.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
1.4%
5.4%
7.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.4%
3.6%
1.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.4%
1.4%
1.6%
2.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.6%
1.8%
4.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.9%
1.5%
Weather
Chicago's weather comes with cold and snowy winters and hot, humid summers. On the other hand, Baltimore enjoys a more temperate climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. While both cities can experience high humidity, Chicago's winters can be harsher due to its location by Lake Michigan that exposes it to the 'lake effect' snow.
Weather and climate
Type
Chicago
Baltimore
Temperature - Average
50.3°F
54.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
36%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
54%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.8 in
42.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
77.6 in
39.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14%
17.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.8%
60.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
68%
63%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
35%
47%
Wind speed - Average
10.7 mph
7.9 mph
Average climate in Chicago, Illinois
Average climate in Baltimore, Maryland
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Chicago
Baltimore
Chicago
Baltimore
Chicago
Baltimore
Chicago
Baltimore
Chicago
Chicago
Baltimore
Chicago
Baltimore
Chicago
Baltimore
2018
97
89
0.26
0.23
14.3
11.8
26.2
28.3
N/A
N/A
23.6
N/A
9.3
7.9
1.7
0.1
2017
95
89
0.25
0.25
14.3
12.1
26.4
27.7
N/A
N/A
25.1
N/A
8.7
8.2
1.4
0.2
2016
95
102
0.21
0.26
14.9
13.0
26.5
28.3
N/A
N/A
17.3
N/A
9.1
7.7
0.8
0.3
2015
92
89
0.51
0.28
15.0
12.4
25.4
28.3
N/A
N/A
23.3
N/A
10.5
9.5
0.9
0.4
2014
101
82
0.45
0.25
18.0
11.8
25.1
25.7
N/A
N/A
28.9
N/A
10.7
10.9
1.3
0.6
2013
100
86
0.37
0.22
18.3
10.7
23.8
25.6
N/A
N/A
30.3
N/A
11.1
9.6
1.0
0.5
2012
112
98
0.36
0.24
18.8
11.3
25.7
25.0
N/A
N/A
31.3
N/A
12.1
11.2
1.7
0.5
2011
101
101
0.38
0.24
18.6
12.5
24.8
25.1
N/A
N/A
21.9
N/A
12.8
12.1
2.4
0.8
2010
103
110
0.37
0.24
20.4
13.1
25.4
26.9
N/A
N/A
22.2
N/A
12.9
12.2
1.4
1.0
2009
106
84
0.29
0.23
20.0
12.2
22.4
23.5
0.025
N/A
20.1
N/A
12.9
10.4
1.4
1.4
2008
108
96
0.32
0.25
22.8
13.6
22.8
21.6
0.026
N/A
22.7
N/A
12.5
12.8
1.8
1.8
2007
125
107
0.34
0.21
23.6
13.8
23.9
23.2
0.027
N/A
25.9
N/A
13.1
14.0
2.2
2.5
2006
95
112
0.31
N/A
23.0
12.0
21.1
24.6
0.029
N/A
22.0
N/A
N/A
14.7
2.6
N/A
2005
110
111
0.55
N/A
23.5
14.3
23.3
26.3
0.027
N/A
26.2
23.0
N/A
17.1
3.3
N/A
2004
85
108
0.83
N/A
23.9
15.3
20.3
28.0
0.032
N/A
23.4
23.1
N/A
16.3
4.1
N/A
2003
99
110
0.69
N/A
25.1
17.8
20.0
22.4
0.030
N/A
23.3
N/A
N/A
13.9
3.1
N/A
2002
114
119
0.83
N/A
26.5
17.4
20.8
19.4
0.029
N/A
24.4
N/A
N/A
16.3
3.3
5.8
2001
107
104
0.83
N/A
27.3
18.2
19.2
23.9
0.031
N/A
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
6.0
2000
104
101
0.88
N/A
24.8
17.0
17.6
22.4
0.046
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.2
6.3
Natural disasters
Type
Chicago
Baltimore
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
145.8%
117.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
136.9%
40.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
20%
0%
Transportation
Chicago's public transportation system ranked by the American Public Transportation Association as well-utilized and efficient, featuring an extensive train and bus network. Baltimore also offers public transportation options, including buses and light rail, though less comprehensive than Chicago.
Transport
Type
Chicago
Baltimore
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
1
136
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Chicago
Baltimore
Bicycle
1.6%
0.4%
Bus
8%
6.2%
Carpooled
8.3%
7.3%
Car alone
62.3%
77.2%
Railroad
0.2%
0.3%
Streetcar
6.8%
1.2%
Subway
3.5%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.7%
Walked
5.9%
4.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Chicago
Baltimore
Average
36.9 min
32.3 min
Other means
33.1 min
26.3 min
Public transportation
44.8 min
46.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Chicago
Baltimore
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.7%
90.7%
In 2 person carpool
9.3%
7.5%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Chicago tends to be pricier than Baltimore. This difference, however, offers a wider range of housing options in Chicago, from luxury condos to single-family homes. Baltimore offers more affordable housing options, particularly in the burgeoning neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have diverse neighborhoods with their unique charms. Chicago’s neighborhoods, like Lincoln Park and The Loop, are known for their cultural diversity, cuisine, and energetic nightlife. Baltimore’s neighborhoods like Fells Point and Federal Hill are celebrated for their historic architecture and vibrant community life.
Houses and residents
Type
Chicago
Baltimore
Houses
1,272,191
293,487
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.4
Median year apartment built
1955
1959
Median year house/condo built
1951
1944
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.7 years
15.7 years
Houses occupied
1,139,537 (89.6%)
254,370 (86.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
530,977 (46.6%)
123,249 (48.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
608,560 (53.4%)
131,121 (51.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,546
$1,254
Median monthly housing costs
$1,356
$1,196
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$355,671
$207,303
Estimated median house or condo value
$297,300
$193,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.8
5.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
$357,707
$321,473
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$345,352
$218,934
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$477,161
$142,945
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$439,589
$257,173
Median house price - mobile homes
$472,017
$269,877
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$235,959
$91,531
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$518,665
$210,096
Median house price - All housing units
$388,874
$246,241
Median house age
70
72
Renting percentage
55.1%
52.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,601.1
3,632.1
House value disparities
35.6%
38.5%
Household income disparities
48.4%
49.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$110,175
$85,990
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,495
$53,334
Housing units without a mortgage
6,624 (1.9%)
2,415 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
17,661 (5.1%)
5,740 (6.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
339,523 (98.1%)
84,578 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
808 (0.2%)
579 (0.7%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
25,416 (7.3%)
8,544 (9.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
2
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.5%
6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.8%
5.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Chicago
Baltimore
One, detached
26.4%
16.4%
One, attached
3.5%
49.5%
Two
13.3%
4.5%
3 or 4
14.0%
4.9%
5 to 9
11.0%
5.5%
10 to 19
4.6%
4.8%
20 to 49
6.5%
2.8%
50 or more
20.6%
11.4%
Mobile homes
0.2%
0.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
67,964
12,671
State government workers
41,316
20,410
Unpaid family workers
4,164
356
Industries and Occupations
Chicago boasts a more diversified industrial sector, with strong representation in financial services, insurance, manufacturing, and technology. In contrast, Baltimore is known for sectors like health, science and technology, largely driven by the presence of prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Chicago is home to numerous prestigious hospitals, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the University of Chicago Medical Center. Baltimore houses reputable healthcare institutions like Johns Hopkins Hospital, which consistently ranks among the top hospitals in the country.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Chicago
Baltimore
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
The infrastructure in Chicago is generally more developed than in Baltimore. Chicago boasts an extensive transit system, well-maintained parks, and iconic skyscrapers. Baltimore also offers historic architecture and transport systems but on a smaller scale compared to Chicago.
Infrastructure
Type
Chicago
Baltimore
Hospitals
86
45
TV stations
22
19
Arenas or stadiums
7
3
Bank branches located here
740
215
Bank institutions located here
99
44
Main business address for public companies
110
27
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
22
13
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Chicago
Baltimore
1999
7,501
2,486
2000
8,763
2,058
2001
7,090
1,371
2002
7,745
1,111
2003
10,485
1,526
2004
14,761
2,929
2005
24,041
4,981
2006
29,365
5,533
2007
17,767
3,592
2008
8,601
1,111
2009
3,506
381
Culture and Food
Chicago is renowned for its dynamic cultural scene, world-class museums, and culinary offerings like deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs. Baltimore, known for its rich history and waterfront location, boasts its own culinary delight in the form of its famous Maryland crab cakes and a thriving local arts scene.
Sports Teams
Chicago is a major sports city hosting well-known teams such as the Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), and Chicago Bulls (NBA). In contrast, Baltimore also has successful sports teams like Baltimore Ravens (NFL) and Baltimore Orioles (MLB) but lacks any representation in the NBA.
Chicago, IL
Baltimore, MD
