Chicago in Illinois and San Diego in California are two vibrant American cities with unique offerings. Chicago has an urban charm, bolstered by its diverse culture, renowned food scene, and vertically strapping skyline. San Diego, on the other hand, is celebrated for its pleasant weather, outdoor recreational activities, beautiful beach communities, and dominance in the biotech industry. Nevertheless, these cities differ significantly in their weather patterns, taxation, cost of living, crime rates, and lifestyles.
Distance between
Chicago, IL and
San Diego, CA : 1,725.5 miles
Chicago's population is larger by 95%. Its population has decreased by 199,461 people (6.9%) since 2000. The population of San Diego has grown by 158,211 people (12.9%) during that time.
Chicago has a higher crime rate than San Diego. This is a significant factor for residents and tourists alike. However, the crime tends to be concentrated in certain neighborhoods, and many areas of Chicago are safe and family-friendly. San Diego, comparatively, is known for its low crime rates and is considered one of the safest major cities in the U.S, offering peace of mind to residents and visitors.
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 3,409 registered sex offenders living in Chicago and 1,334 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Chicago is 793 to 1; the ratio in San Diego is 1,054 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Chicago than in San Diego.
Cost of Living
Cost of living is a critical factor for individuals looking to relocate. San Diego is significantly more expensive than Chicago in terms of housing and overall cost of living. This is partly due to the high demand for houses in close proximity to the beach and the overall desirable weather.
Income Tax
Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%, while California has a progressive income tax rate, ranging from 1% to 13.3% based on income, making it one of the states with the highest income tax.
Property Tax
Property taxes tend to be higher in Chicago compared to San Diego. However, due to San Diego's high property values, homeowners may end up paying more in absolute dollar amount.
Sales Tax
Chicago has one of the highest combined state and local sales tax rates in the U.S., at 10.25%. San Diego has a comparatively lower combined rate, currently sitting at 7.75%.
Income
Type
Chicago
San Diego
Estimated median household income
$66,576
$93,042
Estimated per capita income
$43,217
$48,380
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
104.8
126.4
If you make $50,000 in Chicago, you will have to make $60,305 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Chicago, nicknamed "The Windy City", is located along the shores of Lake Michigan, which significantly influences its weather. San Diego is beautifully situated on the Pacific Ocean, and its geography includes picturesque cliffs, sandy beaches, and canyons.
Both cities prioritize education and have excellent school systems and universities. Chicago is home to the prestigious University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and more. San Diego also boasts well-regarded institutions like the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and San Diego State University (SDSU).
Chicago, being the third-largest city in the U.S, has a diverse economy with sectors like finance, manufacturing, publishing, food processing, and more thriving. San Diego's economy is driven by military and defense-related activities, tourism, international trade, and manufacturing.
Biggest Employers
In Chicago, some of the largest employers include the federal and local government, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Advocate Aurora Health, and JPMorgan Chase. In San Diego, the U.S. Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Qualcomm Incorporated are among the biggest employers.
There were 414 building permits issued in Chicago in 2012 (200 more than in 2011) compared to 539 building permits issued in San Diego in 2012 (88 more than in 2011).
In Chicago (Cook County), 74.0% voted for Democrats and 24.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In San Diego (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Chicago
San Diego
Chicago
San Diego
Chicago
San Diego
2020
74.6%
60.3%
24.1%
37.5%
1.3%
2.1%
2016
74.4%
56.3%
20.9%
36.6%
4.7%
7.1%
2012
74.0%
52.6%
24.6%
45.0%
1.4%
2.4%
2008
76.4%
54.2%
22.9%
44.0%
0.7%
1.8%
2004
70.3%
46.7%
29.2%
52.9%
0.6%
0.4%
2000
69.0%
45.8%
28.8%
49.8%
2.3%
4.5%
1996
66.8%
44.1%
26.7%
45.6%
6.5%
10.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Chicago
San Diego
Chicago
San Diego
CATHOLIC CHURCH
37.5%
25.9%
11.1%
6.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.9%
0.7%
1.8%
1.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.4%
4.3%
2.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
1.1%
5.4%
12.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.4%
3.6%
2.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.4%
0.1%
1.6%
1.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.8%
2.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.9%
2.0%
Weather
Weather can influence where people choose to live or visit. Chicago experiences all four seasons, with cold and snowy winters, and hot and humid summers. It's known for its harsh winters, which can last from late November to March. San Diego, on the other hand, has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters, hot summers, and year-round sunshine. Many people enjoy this consistent sunny disposition, which allows for outdoor activities throughout the year.
Weather and climate
Type
Chicago
San Diego
Temperature - Average
50.3°F
64.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
74%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
22%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
80%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
54%
58%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.8 in
11 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
77.6 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14%
24.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.8%
74.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
19%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
68%
75%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
35%
56%
Wind speed - Average
10.7 mph
6.9 mph
Average climate in Chicago, Illinois
Average climate in San Diego, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Chicago
San Diego
Chicago
San Diego
Chicago
San Diego
Chicago
San Diego
Chicago
San Diego
Chicago
San Diego
Chicago
San Diego
Chicago
San Diego
2018
97
101
0.26
0.53
14.3
11.2
26.2
32.6
N/A
0.007
23.6
N/A
9.3
10.5
1.7
0.1
2017
95
115
0.25
0.63
14.3
12.7
26.4
32.7
N/A
0.007
25.1
N/A
8.7
10.8
1.4
0.1
2016
95
105
0.21
0.46
14.9
13.0
26.5
30.4
N/A
0.006
17.3
N/A
9.1
11.4
0.8
0.1
2015
92
111
0.51
0.43
15.0
13.2
25.4
29.9
N/A
0.005
23.3
N/A
10.5
11.9
0.9
0.1
2014
101
105
0.45
0.44
18.0
11.6
25.1
31.1
N/A
0.007
28.9
N/A
10.7
11.1
1.3
0.1
2013
100
138
0.37
0.50
18.3
12.4
23.8
27.4
N/A
0.019
30.3
N/A
11.1
12.3
1.0
0.2
2012
112
110
0.36
0.53
18.8
12.7
25.7
28.0
N/A
0.019
31.3
N/A
12.1
13.6
1.7
0.2
2011
101
122
0.38
0.51
18.6
13.5
24.8
29.0
N/A
0.034
21.9
N/A
12.8
14.0
2.4
1.5
2010
103
109
0.37
0.52
20.4
14.0
25.4
29.3
N/A
0.019
22.2
N/A
12.9
13.9
1.4
1.0
2009
106
121
0.29
0.64
20.0
15.6
22.4
26.9
0.025
0.014
20.1
N/A
12.9
15.1
1.4
2.7
2008
108
127
0.32
0.71
22.8
16.1
22.8
28.4
0.026
N/A
22.7
67.3
12.5
N/A
1.8
2.6
2007
125
157
0.34
0.71
23.6
16.4
23.9
28.0
0.027
0.012
25.9
64.6
13.1
N/A
2.2
2.8
2006
95
123
0.31
0.81
23.0
18.9
21.1
27.1
0.029
0.056
22.0
64.8
N/A
N/A
2.6
3.4
2005
110
112
0.55
0.90
23.5
19.2
23.3
24.4
0.027
0.049
26.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
3.7
2004
85
120
0.83
0.93
23.9
18.4
20.3
25.9
0.032
0.055
23.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
4.6
2003
99
124
0.69
0.88
25.1
19.4
20.0
25.4
0.030
0.049
23.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
3.8
2002
114
125
0.83
0.86
26.5
20.9
20.8
25.9
0.029
0.039
24.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
3.6
2001
107
132
0.83
0.93
27.3
20.4
19.2
26.5
0.031
0.048
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
3.4
2000
104
134
0.88
1.02
24.8
22.3
17.6
23.8
0.046
0.054
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.2
3.6
Natural disasters
Type
Chicago
San Diego
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
145.8%
6.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
136.9%
5,835%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
20%
39%
Transportation
Public transportation in Chicago is widespread, convenient, and reliable, with options like Metra commuter rail and CTA trains and buses. San Diego, however, is more car-centric, although it does offer trolleys, buses, and Coaster commuter trains.
Transport
Type
Chicago
San Diego
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
1
852
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
33
Means of transportation to work
Type
Chicago
San Diego
Bicycle
1.6%
0.6%
Bus
8%
2%
Carpooled
8.3%
9.4%
Car alone
62.3%
81.7%
Ferryboat
0%
0.1%
Motorcycle
0%
0.3%
Railroad
0.2%
0.5%
Streetcar
6.8%
0%
Subway
3.5%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.1%
Walked
5.9%
3.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Chicago
San Diego
Average
36.9 min
27.4 min
Other means
33.1 min
22.7 min
Public transportation
44.8 min
45.7 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Chicago
San Diego
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.7%
89.5%
In 2 person carpool
9.3%
7.6%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
1.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate markets in both cities are robust but differ in terms of pricing. Chicago offers relatively affordable housing options compared to San Diego where high demand and limited supply result in increased housing costs.
Neighborhoods
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, each with its distinct character, including family-friendly Lincoln Park, trendy Wicker Park, and artistic Pilsen. On the other hand, San Diego has beachfront communities like La Jolla and Coronado, and culturally rich areas like Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town.
Houses and residents
Type
Chicago
San Diego
Houses
1,272,191
555,456
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.6
Median year apartment built
1955
1980
Median year house/condo built
1951
1977
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.7 years
14.1 years
Houses occupied
1,139,537 (89.6%)
521,000 (93.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
530,977 (46.6%)
251,507 (48.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
608,560 (53.4%)
269,493 (51.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,546
$2,096
Median monthly housing costs
$1,356
$2,044
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$355,671
$957,871
Estimated median house or condo value
$297,300
$768,800
Median numbers of rooms
4.8
4.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.7
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
$357,707
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$345,352
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$477,161
$529,375
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$439,589
$543,091
Median house price - mobile homes
$472,017
$134,064
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$235,959
$219,865
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$518,665
$696,014
Median house price - All housing units
$388,874
$941,291
Median house age
70
42
Renting percentage
55.1%
51.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,601.1
1,712.6
House value disparities
35.6%
23.6%
Household income disparities
48.4%
42.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$110,175
$138,584
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,495
$97,588
Housing units without a mortgage
6,624 (1.9%)
2,803 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
17,661 (5.1%)
12,495 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
339,523 (98.1%)
177,643 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
808 (0.2%)
694 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
25,416 (7.3%)
16,654 (9.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
2
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.5%
0.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.8%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Chicago
San Diego
One, detached
26.4%
43.4%
One, attached
3.5%
9.9%
Two
13.3%
1.9%
3 or 4
14.0%
6.0%
5 to 9
11.0%
9.3%
10 to 19
4.6%
7.4%
20 to 49
6.5%
6.3%
50 or more
20.6%
14.6%
Mobile homes
0.2%
1.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
67,964
39,709
State government workers
41,316
29,438
Unpaid family workers
4,164
808
Industries and Occupations
Chicago’s economy is driven by various industries including finance, insurance, manufacturing, and health services. Conversely, San Diego thrives on tourism, military and defense, biotech, and healthcare. Both cities offer abundant opportunities for professionals in these sectors.
Both cities offer high-quality healthcare, with well-regarded hospitals and research facilities. Chicago is home to nationally ranked hospitals like Northwestern Memorial Hospital, while San Diego boasts UC San Diego Health and Scripps hospitals.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Chicago
San Diego
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Chicago, often called a city of neighborhoods, is known for its impressive skyline, mix of architectural styles, and well-developed infrastructure, including O'Hare International Airport, one of the busiest airports globally. San Diego’s infrastructure also impresses, featuring the San Diego International Airport, several bay bridges, and renowned Zoo and SeaWorld.
Infrastructure
Type
Chicago
San Diego
Hospitals
86
26
TV stations
22
13
Arenas or stadiums
7
4
Bank branches located here
740
255
Bank institutions located here
99
40
Main business address for public companies
110
92
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
22
5
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Chicago
San Diego
1999
7,501
3,865
2000
8,763
2,257
2001
7,090
1,754
2002
7,745
2,118
2003
10,485
5,074
2004
14,761
7,646
2005
24,041
8,409
2006
29,365
7,551
2007
17,767
5,741
2008
8,601
2,876
2009
3,506
1,675
Culture and Food
Chicago boasts a vibrant cultural scene with renowned museums, music festivals, and a celebrated food scene famous for deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs. San Diego offers a more laid-back vibe influenced by the beach and Mexican culture, seen in their love for fish tacos and craft beer.
Sports Teams
Chicago is a sports-centric city with teams like the Cubs and White Sox (MLB), the Bulls (NBA), and the Bears (NFL). San Diego previously had NFL's Chargers, which moved to LA, but it still takes pride in the MLB's Padres and enjoys a good sports scene.
Chicago, IL
San Diego, CA
