Comparing two vibrant cities like Chicago, IL, and Las Vegas, NV, because they offer contrasting experiences. Chicago, known as the "Windy City," offers more diverse weather, education opportunities, and sports culture, while Las Vegas, the "Entertainment Capital of the World," provides unparalleled entertainment, a bustling tourist industry, and a warmer climate. However, both cities have their pros and cons, varying significantly in crime rates, cost of living, cultural experiences, and taxes.
Distance between
Chicago, IL and
Las Vegas, NV : 1,521.8 miles
Chicago's population is larger by 317%. Its population has decreased by 199,461 people (6.9%) since 2000. The population of Las Vegas has grown by 168,356 people (35.2%) during that time.
Chicago, unfortunately, has a higher reported crime rate than the national average, affecting some but not all neighborhoods. However, it's key to note that tourist areas and major business districts are generally safe. On the other hand, Las Vegas also has a crime rate higher than the national average, although, like Chicago, tourist areas are typically safe. Both cities have implemented safety measures to protect their residents and tourists.
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 3,392 registered sex offenders living in Chicago and 4,783 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Chicago is 797 to 1; the ratio in Las Vegas is 132 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Chicago than in Las Vegas.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living in Las Vegas is lower than in Chicago. Housing tends to be more affordable in Las Vegas, and Nevada has no state income tax, making it more appealing for some people. However, Chicago offers a broad range of neighborhoods with a range of living costs to suit different budgets.
Income Tax
Illinois, where Chicago is located, has a flat income tax rate of 4.95%. However, Nevada, home to Las Vegas, has no state income tax, which is a bonus for residents and workers.
Property Tax
In terms of property tax, Chicago typically has a higher rate, which is around 2.1%, compared to Las Vegas, which stands at an average of 0.69%.
Sales Tax
Chicago has one of the highest total sales tax rates in the country, at 10.25%. Las Vegas's sales tax rate is notably lower at 8.375%.
Income
Type
Chicago
Las Vegas
Estimated median household income
$66,576
$59,746
Estimated per capita income
$43,217
$33,825
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
104.8
99.1
If you make $50,000 in Las Vegas, you will have to make $52,876 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Chicago, located by Lake Michigan, offers beautiful waterfront views and beaches. Las Vegas, lying in a basin within the Mojave Desert, is surrounded by notable natural beauties, like the Red Rock Canyon and the Grand Canyon further off.
Chicago is home to many well-known educational institutions, including the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. On the other hand, Las Vegas offers institutions like the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. While there may be more variety in Chicago, both cities offer quality education.
Chicago's economy is more diverse with significant sectors including finance, manufacturing, and healthcare. In contrast, Las Vegas's economy is heavily dependent on tourism, gaming, and entertainment, although efforts are being made to diversify it.
Biggest Employers
In Chicago, some of the biggest employers are the federal and local government, schools, and medical centers. Las Vegas’s economy, conversely, is heavily supported by the resort industry with MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment among the biggest employers.
There were 414 building permits issued in Chicago in 2012 (200 more than in 2011) compared to 2,700 building permits issued in Las Vegas in 2012 (1886 more than in 2011).
In Chicago (Cook County), 74.0% voted for Democrats and 24.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Las Vegas (Clark County), 56.4% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Chicago
Las Vegas
Chicago
Las Vegas
Chicago
Las Vegas
2020
74.6%
53.7%
24.1%
44.3%
1.3%
2.0%
2016
74.4%
52.4%
20.9%
41.7%
4.7%
5.8%
2012
74.0%
56.4%
24.6%
41.8%
1.4%
1.8%
2008
76.4%
58.5%
22.9%
39.5%
0.7%
2.0%
2004
70.3%
51.8%
29.2%
46.9%
0.6%
1.3%
2000
69.0%
51.4%
28.8%
44.8%
2.3%
3.8%
1996
66.8%
75.5%
26.7%
18.8%
6.5%
5.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Chicago
Las Vegas
Chicago
Las Vegas
CATHOLIC CHURCH
37.5%
18.1%
11.1%
4.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.9%
0.1%
1.8%
0.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.4%
4.3%
1.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
1.6%
5.4%
11.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.2%
3.6%
1.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.4%
0.2%
1.6%
1.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.1%
1.8%
1.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
1.9%
1.6%
Weather
Chicago's climate represents four distinct seasons, with cold winters, moderate to heavy snowfall, and hot, humid summers. Las Vegas, by contrast, sits within a desert climate, featuring very hot summers and mild winters. It's worth considering this when planning to move or visit either city, particularly if you prefer a specific climate.
Weather and climate
Type
Chicago
Las Vegas
Temperature - Average
50.3°F
65.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
30.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
52%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
54%
10%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.8 in
5.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
77.6 in
1.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14%
35.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.8%
91.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
68%
92%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
35%
76%
Wind speed - Average
10.7 mph
9.2 mph
Average climate in Chicago, Illinois
Average climate in Las Vegas, Nevada
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Chicago
Las Vegas
Chicago
Las Vegas
Chicago
Las Vegas
Chicago
Las Vegas
Chicago
Chicago
Las Vegas
Chicago
Las Vegas
Chicago
Las Vegas
2018
97
100
0.26
0.42
14.3
13.1
26.2
37.2
N/A
N/A
23.6
24.4
9.3
6.0
1.7
0.7
2017
95
101
0.25
0.29
14.3
13.0
26.4
38.5
N/A
N/A
25.1
20.3
8.7
7.3
1.4
0.8
2016
95
97
0.21
0.38
14.9
11.2
26.5
36.5
N/A
N/A
17.3
20.6
9.1
8.7
0.8
0.8
2015
92
92
0.51
0.36
15.0
12.4
25.4
35.6
N/A
N/A
23.3
18.9
10.5
8.4
0.9
1.2
2014
101
91
0.45
0.40
18.0
10.8
25.1
36.5
N/A
N/A
28.9
21.1
10.7
9.2
1.3
1.4
2013
100
103
0.37
0.45
18.3
9.6
23.8
36.9
N/A
N/A
30.3
22.1
11.1
8.6
1.0
1.5
2012
112
94
0.36
0.49
18.8
5.9
25.7
38.5
N/A
N/A
31.3
21.5
12.1
8.3
1.7
1.4
2011
101
85
0.38
0.40
18.6
5.3
24.8
37.5
N/A
N/A
21.9
18.2
12.8
7.8
2.4
1.2
2010
103
86
0.37
0.50
20.4
5.7
25.4
36.6
N/A
N/A
22.2
16.1
12.9
7.1
1.4
N/A
2009
106
87
0.29
0.56
20.0
6.0
22.4
33.3
0.025
N/A
20.1
20.9
12.9
8.3
1.4
N/A
2008
108
82
0.32
0.66
22.8
8.2
22.8
33.0
0.026
N/A
22.7
N/A
12.5
9.2
1.8
N/A
2007
125
97
0.34
0.61
23.6
11.7
23.9
32.4
0.027
N/A
25.9
N/A
13.1
8.6
2.2
0.1
2006
95
102
0.31
0.75
23.0
13.4
21.1
32.7
0.029
N/A
22.0
N/A
N/A
8.3
2.6
0.8
2005
110
100
0.55
0.76
23.5
15.1
23.3
30.2
0.027
N/A
26.2
N/A
N/A
7.8
3.3
5.3
2004
85
85
0.83
0.71
23.9
16.0
20.3
30.6
0.032
N/A
23.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
1.6
2003
99
99
0.69
0.67
25.1
15.9
20.0
29.8
0.030
N/A
23.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
1.0
2002
114
94
0.83
0.73
26.5
15.7
20.8
30.6
0.029
N/A
24.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
0.7
2001
107
95
0.83
0.76
27.3
15.0
19.2
29.4
0.031
N/A
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
1.1
2000
104
95
0.88
0.88
24.8
14.7
17.6
29.7
0.046
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.2
0.4
Natural disasters
Type
Chicago
Las Vegas
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
145.8%
2.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
136.9%
6,093.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
20%
12%
Transportation
Chicago has a robust public transportation system, including buses, the "L" train, and ample bike lanes. In contrast, Las Vegas has a more car-centric culture with its own public buses, but fewer options overall.
Transport
Type
Chicago
Las Vegas
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
81
Means of transportation to work
Type
Chicago
Las Vegas
Bicycle
1.6%
0.1%
Bus
8%
2.2%
Carpooled
8.3%
10.3%
Car alone
62.3%
82.7%
Motorcycle
0%
0.4%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Streetcar
6.8%
0%
Subway
3.5%
0%
Taxicab
0.8%
0%
Walked
5.9%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Chicago
Las Vegas
Average
36.9 min
26.3 min
Other means
33.1 min
24 min
Public transportation
44.8 min
49.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Chicago
Las Vegas
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.7%
88.9%
In 2 person carpool
9.3%
8.2%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Chicago's real estate market is diverse, offering anything from high-rise apartments to suburban homes. Las Vegas's real estate, on the other hand, consists mostly of single-family homes with some high-rise apartments, particularly near the Strip.
Neighborhoods
Chicago is known for its rich, diverse neighborhoods, each with a unique character. From the cultural heritage of Chinatown to the trendy Wicker Park, there's something for everyone. Las Vegas also features a variety of neighborhoods, with Summerlin and Henderson popular for families due to their safety and great schools.
Houses and residents
Type
Chicago
Las Vegas
Houses
1,272,191
269,602
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.7
Median year apartment built
1955
1991
Median year house/condo built
1951
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.7 years
10.1 years
Houses occupied
1,139,537 (89.6%)
250,350 (92.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
530,977 (46.6%)
138,677 (55.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
608,560 (53.4%)
111,673 (44.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,546
$1,176
Median monthly housing costs
$1,356
$1,255
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$355,671
$989,410
Estimated median house or condo value
$297,300
$362,400
Median numbers of rooms
4.8
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$357,707
$439,169
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$345,352
$161,204
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$477,161
$201,871
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$439,589
$327,174
Median house price - mobile homes
$472,017
$113,235
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$518,665
$274,961
Median house price - All housing units
$388,874
$417,434
Median house age
70
27
Renting percentage
55.1%
43.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,601.1
2,379.4
House value disparities
35.6%
27.1%
Household income disparities
48.4%
47.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$110,175
$90,388
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,495
$62,287
Housing units without a mortgage
6,624 (1.9%)
1,172 (1.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
17,661 (5.1%)
4,450 (4.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
339,523 (98.1%)
95,992 (98.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
808 (0.2%)
178 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
25,416 (7.3%)
5,092 (5.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
2
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.5%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.8%
1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Chicago
Las Vegas
One, detached
26.4%
61.5%
One, attached
3.5%
5.3%
Two
13.3%
1.3%
3 or 4
14.0%
7.7%
5 to 9
11.0%
8.4%
10 to 19
4.6%
4.8%
20 to 49
6.5%
2.8%
50 or more
20.6%
6.8%
Mobile homes
0.2%
1.4%
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
18,990
State government workers
41,316
6,950
Unpaid family workers
4,164
614
Industries and Occupations
Chicago's diverse economy provides job opportunities in multiple industries, including business, healthcare, and technology. Las Vegas is best known for opportunities in the hospitality and entertainment industry.
Chicago is a major hub for medical care with nationally ranked facilities like Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University Medical Center. Las Vegas also offers respected healthcare options, with well-regarded hospitals such as Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, but with a smaller concentration of top-ranked facilities.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Chicago
Las Vegas
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Chicago, being an older city, boasts more historic architecture and well-established infrastructure. Las Vegas, while not as historic, has modern infrastructure well-equipped to handle the city's massive influx of tourists.
Infrastructure
Type
Chicago
Las Vegas
Hospitals
86
39
TV stations
22
12
Arenas or stadiums
7
2
Bank branches located here
740
281
Bank institutions located here
99
34
Main business address for public companies
110
57
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
22
32
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Chicago
Las Vegas
1999
7,501
2,657
2000
8,763
579
2001
7,090
371
2002
7,745
380
2003
10,485
3,590
2004
14,761
5,908
2005
24,041
7,894
2006
29,365
6,914
2007
17,767
3,733
2008
8,601
1,431
2009
3,506
813
Culture and Food
Chicago boasts a rich cultural scene with renowned art institutions, music festivals, and famous foods like deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs. Las Vegas, meanwhile, is famous for its entertainment offerings including world-class shows, concerts, and diverse dining options from extravagant buffets to gourmet restaurants.
Sports Teams
Chicago is known for its die-hard sports fans and iconic teams like the Cubs, Bulls, and Bears. Las Vegas is newer to the sports scene but is home to the Golden Knights (NHL) and the Raiders (NFL).
Chicago, IL
Las Vegas, NV
