Chicago, Illinois, and El Paso, Texas, offer unique lifestyles with varying costs of living, job opportunities, and climates, among other factors. While Chicago provides a bustling metropolis with robust industries, El Paso is a desert city that prides itself on safety and affordable cost of living. This comparison will guide you through vital areas like crime and safety, education, work and economy, and healthcare in both cities to help you understand what living in each of these cities might entail.
Distance between
Chicago, IL and
El Paso, TX : 1,243.4 miles
Chicago's population is larger by 298%. Its population has decreased by 199,461 people (6.9%) since 2000. The population of El Paso has grown by 114,753 people (20.4%) during that time.
Chicago, a major city, is known for its crime rate, which is higher than the national average. However, it's noteworthy that violent crimes are largely concentrated in specific areas. El Paso is nationally recognized as one of America's safest cities, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average.
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 3,388 registered sex offenders living in Chicago and 1,288 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Chicago is 798 to 1; the ratio in El Paso is 530 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Chicago than in El Paso.
Cost of Living
Chicago's cost of living is higher than the national average, especially regarding housing. However, it's lower than many other major cities like New York or Los Angeles. On the other hand, El Paso's cost of living is lower than the national average, making it an economically attractive place to live.
Income Tax
Illinois levies a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%, while Texas doesn't impose any state income tax, making El Paso an attractive place for those seeking tax-friendly states.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Chicago are higher than the national average, making housing more costly. Property taxes in El Paso are higher than the national average but lower than Chicago's.
Sales Tax
Chicago residents pay a combined sales tax of 10.25%, which is one of the highest in the nation. El Paso's sales tax is substantially lower at 8.25%.
Income
Type
Chicago
El Paso
Estimated median household income
$66,576
$51,241
Estimated per capita income
$43,217
$25,670
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
104.8
82.2
If you make $50,000 in El Paso, you will have to make $63,747 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Chicago is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, offering multiple beach activities. El Paso is in a mountainous region, offering various outdoor activities like hiking and mountain climbing.
Chicago boasts a robust educational scene with world-class institutions like the University of Chicago and Northwestern University in proximity. El Paso offers solid educational opportunities through the University of Texas at El Paso and several community colleges.
Each city boasts its unique economic strengths. Chicago has a diverse economy based in finance, publishing, and food processing. El Paso's economy centers around military, healthcare, and education sectors.
Biggest Employers
Notable employers in Chicago include Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, University of Chicago, and JPMorgan Chase. In El Paso, Fort Bliss and the El Paso Independent School District are significant employers.
There were 414 building permits issued in Chicago in 2012 (200 more than in 2011) compared to 1,961 building permits issued in El Paso in 2012 (1005 less than in 2011).
In Chicago (Cook County), 74.0% voted for Democrats and 24.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In El Paso (El Paso County), 65.5% voted for Democrats and 33.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Chicago
El Paso
Chicago
El Paso
Chicago
El Paso
2020
74.6%
66.8%
24.1%
31.6%
1.3%
1.6%
2016
74.4%
69.1%
20.9%
26.0%
4.7%
4.9%
2012
74.0%
65.5%
24.6%
33.2%
1.4%
1.3%
2008
76.4%
66.0%
22.9%
33.4%
0.7%
0.6%
2004
70.3%
56.2%
29.2%
43.3%
0.6%
0.5%
2000
69.0%
57.9%
28.8%
39.8%
2.3%
2.3%
1996
66.8%
62.3%
26.7%
32.1%
6.5%
5.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Chicago
El Paso
Chicago
El Paso
CATHOLIC CHURCH
37.5%
43.2%
11.1%
11.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.9%
0.1%
1.8%
0.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.1%
4.3%
1.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
3.3%
5.4%
26.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.2%
3.6%
1.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.4%
0.0%
1.6%
0.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.1%
1.8%
1.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
1.9%
1.6%
Weather
Chicago weather can be harsh, with hot, humid summers and bitterly cold winters. It's also known as the "Windy City," adding an extra chill factor during the winter months. Contrarily, El Paso has a hot desert climate with mild winters and very hot summers.
Weather and climate
Type
Chicago
El Paso
Temperature - Average
50.3°F
64.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
42.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
42.8%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
59.8%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
54%
17%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.8 in
9.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
77.6 in
10.7 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14%
31.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.8%
89.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
13.9%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
68%
89.3%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
35%
75.4%
Wind speed - Average
10.7 mph
8.9 mph
Average climate in Chicago, Illinois
Average climate in El Paso, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Chicago
El Paso
Chicago
El Paso
Chicago
El Paso
Chicago
El Paso
Chicago
El Paso
Chicago
El Paso
Chicago
El Paso
Chicago
El Paso
2018
97
139
0.26
0.17
14.3
14.0
26.2
32.0
N/A
N/A
23.6
35.7
9.3
9.2
1.7
N/A
2017
95
173
0.25
0.19
14.3
13.0
26.4
30.5
N/A
N/A
25.1
40.4
8.7
9.5
1.4
0.5
2016
95
148
0.21
0.17
14.9
12.6
26.5
30.6
N/A
N/A
17.3
35.2
9.1
9.2
0.8
0.5
2015
92
112
0.51
0.18
15.0
12.7
25.4
30.8
N/A
N/A
23.3
31.2
10.5
8.0
0.9
0.5
2014
101
157
0.45
0.13
18.0
12.8
25.1
30.0
N/A
N/A
28.9
40.3
10.7
9.7
1.3
0.4
2013
100
211
0.37
0.23
18.3
14.1
23.8
30.5
N/A
N/A
30.3
43.9
11.1
10.8
1.0
0.4
2012
112
229
0.36
0.30
18.8
15.9
25.7
31.6
N/A
N/A
31.3
40.2
12.1
11.6
1.7
0.4
2011
101
221
0.38
0.23
18.6
15.9
24.8
31.2
N/A
N/A
21.9
34.7
12.8
11.6
2.4
0.5
2010
103
211
0.37
0.25
20.4
15.3
25.4
29.4
N/A
N/A
22.2
28.8
12.9
7.9
1.4
0.3
2009
106
117
0.29
0.23
20.0
15.4
22.4
29.5
0.025
N/A
20.1
28.6
12.9
8.3
1.4
0.3
2008
108
210
0.32
0.25
22.8
15.2
22.8
30.1
0.026
0.017
22.7
34.6
12.5
9.7
1.8
0.6
2007
125
134
0.34
0.28
23.6
13.9
23.9
30.6
0.027
0.019
25.9
40.5
13.1
8.4
2.2
0.4
2006
95
241
0.31
0.37
23.0
14.3
21.1
30.6
0.029
0.018
22.0
55.0
N/A
11.1
2.6
0.3
2005
110
159
0.55
0.43
23.5
13.1
23.3
29.6
0.027
0.013
26.2
44.5
N/A
9.6
3.3
0.6
2004
85
183
0.83
0.38
23.9
13.5
20.3
29.2
0.032
0.020
23.4
47.3
N/A
8.2
4.1
0.4
2003
99
278
0.69
0.46
25.1
15.5
20.0
29.5
0.030
0.039
23.3
60.4
N/A
10.8
3.1
0.6
2002
114
203
0.83
0.43
26.5
16.4
20.8
30.5
0.029
0.034
24.4
53.3
N/A
11.0
3.3
0.4
2001
107
139
0.83
0.51
27.3
15.5
19.2
28.7
0.031
0.046
28.5
N/A
N/A
9.8
4.3
0.7
2000
104
145
0.88
0.67
24.8
17.8
17.6
27.8
0.046
0.072
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
4.2
1.0
Natural disasters
Type
Chicago
El Paso
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
145.8%
4.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
136.9%
524.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
20%
11%
Transportation
Chicago has an extensive public transportation system, which includes the 'L' train and buses. Plus, many residents commute by walking or biking. El Paso primarily depends on cars for commuting, with local bus service offered for public transportation.
Transport
Type
Chicago
El Paso
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
331
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
6
Means of transportation to work
Type
Chicago
El Paso
Bicycle
1.6%
0.3%
Bus
8%
1.3%
Carpooled
8.3%
11.2%
Car alone
62.3%
83.4%
Motorcycle
0%
0.2%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Streetcar
6.8%
0%
Subway
3.5%
0%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.1%
Walked
5.9%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Chicago
El Paso
Average
36.9 min
25.1 min
Other means
33.1 min
22.2 min
Public transportation
44.8 min
46.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Chicago
El Paso
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.7%
88.5%
In 2 person carpool
9.3%
7.9%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.7%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Chicago presents a more expensive real estate market than El Paso. However, it offers a variety of home styles, from luxury apartments to single-family homes. On the other hand, El Paso's real estate market is more affordable, attractive to first-time homebuyers.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer diverse neighborhoods. Chicago has over 70 communities – from Lincoln Park's commercial district to Hyde Park's cultural attractions. El Paso also features unique areas like the historic Segundo Barrio and the bustling downtown district.
Houses and residents
Type
Chicago
El Paso
Houses
1,272,191
261,779
Average household size (people)
2.5
3
Median year apartment built
1955
1982
Median year house/condo built
1951
1985
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.7 years
14.7 years
Houses occupied
1,139,537 (89.6%)
242,529 (92.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
530,977 (46.6%)
147,788 (60.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
608,560 (53.4%)
94,741 (39.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,546
$570.82
Median monthly housing costs
$1,356
$939
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$355,671
$227,007
Estimated median house or condo value
$297,300
$152,800
Median numbers of rooms
4.8
5.4
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$357,707
$187,761
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$345,352
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$477,161
$75,782
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$439,589
$266,003
Median house price - mobile homes
$472,017
$43,095
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$235,959
$9,296
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$518,665
$149,459
Median house price - All housing units
$388,874
$186,951
Median house age
70
38
Renting percentage
55.1%
39.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,601.1
1,051
House value disparities
35.6%
32.7%
Household income disparities
48.4%
46.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$110,175
$74,665
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,495
$52,954
Housing units without a mortgage
6,624 (1.9%)
1,889 (2.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
17,661 (5.1%)
2,956 (3.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
339,523 (98.1%)
84,973 (97.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
808 (0.2%)
250 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
25,416 (7.3%)
3,635 (4.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
2
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.5%
2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.8%
2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Chicago
El Paso
One, detached
26.4%
67.7%
One, attached
3.5%
4.4%
Two
13.3%
2.4%
3 or 4
14.0%
4.1%
5 to 9
11.0%
5.9%
10 to 19
4.6%
5.8%
20 to 49
6.5%
2.4%
50 or more
20.6%
4.8%
Mobile homes
0.2%
2.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
67,964
19,650
State government workers
41,316
12,525
Unpaid family workers
4,164
901
Industries and Occupations
Chicago's top industries include finance, insurance, and manufacturing, offering various professional job opportunities. El Paso primarily employs its population in healthcare, education, and the military.
Chicago offers world-class healthcare services with an abundance of top-rated hospitals. El Paso offers decent healthcare services, with several hospitals serving the region.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Chicago
El Paso
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Chicago has extensive transportation and public services infrastructure, including one of the world's busiest airports. In contrast, El Paso's infrastructure is growing to accommodate its increasing population and commerce.
Infrastructure
Type
Chicago
El Paso
Hospitals
86
41
TV stations
22
10
Arenas or stadiums
7
2
Bank branches located here
740
89
Bank institutions located here
99
19
Main business address for public companies
110
7
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
22
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Chicago
El Paso
1999
7,501
1,994
2000
8,763
993
2001
7,090
704
2002
7,745
594
2003
10,485
1,268
2004
14,761
1,646
2005
24,041
2,316
2006
29,365
2,701
2007
17,767
2,051
2008
8,601
1,034
2009
3,506
454
Culture and Food
Both cities rock rich food and cultural scenes. Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and jazz music. El Paso is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine and cowboy boot manufacturing.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will love either city. Chicago is home to major sports teams, including the Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), and Chicago Bulls (NBA). While El Paso doesn't host a major professional sports team, it has minor league baseball, football, and soccer teams.
Chicago, IL
El Paso, TX
