Chicago, IL and Detroit, MI are two vibrant U.S cities with rich histories and cultural diversities. However, they vary in many aspects, from crime rates and cost of living to weather and sports teams. This comparison aims to provide an in-depth understanding of these cities for residents contemplating a move and for tourists considering a visit.
Distance between
Chicago, IL and
Detroit, MI : 237.6 miles
Chicago's population is larger by 326%. Its population has decreased by 199,461 people (6.9%) since 2000. The population of Detroit has decreased by 318,806 people (33.5%) during that time.
Chicago has seen a decrease in its violent crime rate over the recent years but still has a reputation for increased crime in certain areas. On the other hand, Detroit has a higher crime rate than the national average, although it has been on a steady decline for the past decade. Regardless, both cities have made significant efforts in improving safety and security.
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 3,399 registered sex offenders living in Chicago and 3,442 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Chicago is 796 to 1; the ratio in Detroit is 195 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Chicago than in Detroit.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Chicago is significantly higher than Detroit. Housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are all more costly in Chicago. Detroit, despite its economic recovery, remains one of the more affordable large cities in the U.S.
Income Tax
Both Chicago and Detroit residents pay state income tax. Illinois residents are taxed at a flat rate, while Michigan uses a progressive system, which may lead to higher taxes for high-earners.
Property Tax
Both cities have high property taxes, but Chicago's rates are slightly higher on average compared to Detroit's.
Sales Tax
Chicago and Illinois have some of the highest sales taxes in the U.S., often pushing beyond 10%. Detroit's sales tax is more moderate, with Michigan's state sales tax rate at 6%.
Income
Type
Chicago
Detroit
Estimated median household income
$66,576
$36,140
Estimated per capita income
$43,217
$22,122
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
104.8
94.1
If you make $50,000 in Detroit, you will have to make $55,685 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Chicago is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, offering ample beachfront and beautiful lake views. Detroit, on the other hand, is situated on the Detroit River, providing waterfront vistas and easy access to fishing and boating opportunities.
Chicago's education system, including its public schools and universities like the University of Chicago, is highly-rated. Detroit's educational performance is improving but still lags behind Chicago. Detroit schools nevertheless offer unique programs, such as those focusing on the arts and skilled trades.
Chicago’s economy is larger and more diversified, encompassing finance, manufacturing, publishing, and food processing. Detroit, traditionally known as the automotive capital of the world, has been diversifying its economy, with growing sectors including technology and healthcare.
Biggest Employers
Chicago’s largest employers include the University of Chicago, the U.S. Government, and JPMorgan Chase. In Detroit, the Detroit Medical Center, General Motors, and Quicken Loans are top employers.
There were 414 building permits issued in Chicago in 2012 (200 more than in 2011) compared to 10 building permits issued in Detroit in 2012 (8 less than in 2011).
In Chicago (Cook County), 74.0% voted for Democrats and 24.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Detroit (Wayne County), 73.1% voted for Democrats and 26.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Chicago
Detroit
Chicago
Detroit
Chicago
Detroit
2020
74.6%
68.6%
24.1%
30.4%
1.3%
1.0%
2016
74.4%
66.6%
20.9%
29.4%
4.7%
4.0%
2012
74.0%
73.1%
24.6%
26.2%
1.4%
0.6%
2008
76.4%
74.4%
22.9%
24.7%
0.7%
0.9%
2004
70.3%
69.7%
29.2%
29.9%
0.6%
0.4%
2000
69.0%
69.1%
28.8%
29.1%
2.3%
1.8%
1996
66.8%
69.0%
26.7%
24.0%
6.5%
7.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Chicago
Detroit
Chicago
Detroit
CATHOLIC CHURCH
37.5%
16.3%
11.1%
11.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.9%
3.7%
1.8%
2.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.7%
4.3%
2.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
0.4%
5.4%
3.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
1.2%
3.6%
3.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.4%
1.5%
1.6%
2.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.8%
2.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.9%
1.4%
Weather
Weather-wise, Chicago's moniker "The Windy City" is apt; winters can be harsh, with heavy snowfall and biting winds. Summers can be hot and humid. Detroit weather, conversely, is slightly milder but also experiences cold winters and warm summers.
Weather and climate
Type
Chicago
Detroit
Temperature - Average
50.3°F
50°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
75.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
54%
53%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.8 in
33.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
77.6 in
86.5 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14%
12.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.8%
56.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
38%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
68%
69%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
35%
31%
Wind speed - Average
10.7 mph
10.2 mph
Average climate in Chicago, Illinois
Average climate in Detroit, Michigan
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Chicago
Detroit
Chicago
Detroit
Chicago
Detroit
Chicago
Detroit
Chicago
Detroit
Chicago
Chicago
Detroit
Chicago
Detroit
2018
97
90
0.26
0.44
14.3
12.9
26.2
25.8
N/A
N/A
23.6
N/A
9.3
10.1
1.7
1.1
2017
95
87
0.25
0.56
14.3
12.7
26.4
20.9
N/A
N/A
25.1
N/A
8.7
10.1
1.4
1.3
2016
95
86
0.21
0.47
14.9
13.2
26.5
22.0
N/A
N/A
17.3
N/A
9.1
10.9
0.8
0.8
2015
92
95
0.51
0.49
15.0
14.8
25.4
26.5
N/A
N/A
23.3
N/A
10.5
11.9
0.9
1.2
2014
101
95
0.45
0.48
18.0
14.2
25.1
24.2
N/A
N/A
28.9
N/A
10.7
12.0
1.3
1.7
2013
100
80
0.37
0.53
18.3
14.4
23.8
24.5
N/A
N/A
30.3
N/A
11.1
11.0
1.0
1.3
2012
112
99
0.36
0.49
18.8
14.6
25.7
25.7
N/A
N/A
31.3
N/A
12.1
6.6
1.7
1.7
2011
101
94
0.38
0.32
18.6
12.9
24.8
24.3
N/A
N/A
21.9
N/A
12.8
6.5
2.4
1.6
2010
103
96
0.37
0.28
20.4
11.8
25.4
24.7
N/A
0.006
22.2
N/A
12.9
12.1
1.4
1.6
2009
106
68
0.29
0.27
20.0
12.7
22.4
23.4
0.025
N/A
20.1
N/A
12.9
N/A
1.4
1.9
2008
108
67
0.32
0.27
22.8
12.8
22.8
N/A
0.026
N/A
22.7
N/A
12.5
N/A
1.8
2.0
2007
125
81
0.34
0.29
23.6
13.7
23.9
25.8
0.027
0.017
25.9
N/A
13.1
N/A
2.2
N/A
2006
95
63
0.31
0.31
23.0
14.0
21.1
19.8
0.029
0.022
22.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
3.2
2005
110
83
0.55
0.36
23.5
17.4
23.3
22.6
0.027
0.019
26.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
4.0
2004
85
70
0.83
0.43
23.9
15.0
20.3
N/A
0.032
0.014
23.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
3.7
2003
99
86
0.69
0.40
25.1
18.5
20.0
N/A
0.030
0.013
23.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
4.8
2002
114
88
0.83
0.36
26.5
18.3
20.8
N/A
0.029
0.019
24.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
4.3
2001
107
83
0.83
0.36
27.3
19.0
19.2
N/A
0.031
0.020
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
4.4
2000
104
71
0.88
0.35
24.8
18.2
17.6
N/A
0.046
0.027
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.2
5.2
Natural disasters
Type
Chicago
Detroit
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
145.8%
128.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
136.9%
53.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
20%
14%
Transportation
Chicago boasts one of the best public transit systems in the U.S. with its network of buses and "L" trains. Detroit's public transit is less extensive, but efforts are being made to improve the system, including plans for increased bus and rail lines.
Transport
Type
Chicago
Detroit
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
93
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
Chicago
Detroit
Bicycle
1.6%
0.5%
Bus
8%
4%
Carpooled
8.3%
7.5%
Car alone
62.3%
83.4%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Streetcar
6.8%
0.1%
Subway
3.5%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.5%
Walked
5.9%
2.7%
Average travel time to work
Type
Chicago
Detroit
Average
36.9 min
30.6 min
Other means
33.1 min
26 min
Public transportation
44.8 min
47.7 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Chicago
Detroit
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.7%
87.1%
In 2 person carpool
9.3%
10.5%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
1%
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 prices in Chicago are significantly higher than in Detroit. However, Detroit presents a more affordable housing market, attracting first-time homebuyers.
Neighborhoods
Chicago's neighborhoods like Hyde Park and Lincoln Park are known for their diverse culture and attractive amenities. Detroit neighborhoods such as Midtown and Corktown are also thriving with culture and revival efforts.
Houses and residents
Type
Chicago
Detroit
Houses
1,272,191
322,906
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.6
Median year apartment built
1955
1953
Median year house/condo built
1951
1946
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.7 years
16.7 years
Houses occupied
1,139,537 (89.6%)
251,729 (78%)
Houses occupied by owners
530,977 (46.6%)
129,084 (51.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
608,560 (53.4%)
122,645 (48.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,546
$798.06
Median monthly housing costs
$1,356
$755
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$355,671
$86,452
Estimated median house or condo value
$297,300
$69,300
Median numbers of rooms
4.8
5.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$357,707
$96,752
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$345,352
$72,631
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$477,161
$183,952
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$439,589
$242,851
Median house price - mobile homes
$472,017
$43,864
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$518,665
$128,652
Median house price - All housing units
$388,874
$101,554
Median house age
70
74
Renting percentage
55.1%
48.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,601.1
2,326.9
House value disparities
35.6%
48.4%
Household income disparities
48.4%
49.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$110,175
$61,259
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,495
$38,901
Housing units without a mortgage
6,624 (1.9%)
2,599 (5.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
17,661 (5.1%)
2,270 (4.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
339,523 (98.1%)
43,675 (94.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
808 (0.2%)
357 (0.8%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
25,416 (7.3%)
3,466 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
16
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
2
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.5%
17.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.8%
13.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Chicago
Detroit
One, detached
26.4%
66.0%
One, attached
3.5%
6.1%
Two
13.3%
6.5%
3 or 4
14.0%
2.7%
5 to 9
11.0%
2.2%
10 to 19
4.6%
2.7%
20 to 49
6.5%
3.9%
50 or more
20.6%
9.4%
Mobile homes
0.2%
0.5%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
67,964
11,725
State government workers
41,316
8,763
Unpaid family workers
4,164
441
Industries and Occupations
While both cities have diverse industries, Finance and Insurance dominate in Chicago, attributing to its status as a global financial hub. Meanwhile, Automotive is still the leading driver of Detroit's economy.
Health care in Chicago is some of the best in the country, thanks to numerous top-ranked hospitals like Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Detroit, too, has robust health care, led by systems like the Detroit Medical Center and Henry Ford Health System.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Chicago
Detroit
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Chicago's infrastructure, with its extensive transit system and O'Hare International Airport, is more developed. Detroit has been investing in infrastructure, too, improving roads and public transit, and modernizing Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
Infrastructure
Type
Chicago
Detroit
Hospitals
86
41
TV stations
22
16
Arenas or stadiums
7
4
Bank branches located here
740
98
Bank institutions located here
99
12
Main business address for public companies
110
11
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
Detroit
1999
7,501
2,901
2000
8,763
4,079
2001
7,090
3,815
2002
7,745
3,247
2003
10,485
5,511
2004
14,761
9,068
2005
24,041
13,958
2006
29,365
16,654
2007
17,767
10,742
2008
8,601
2,823
2009
3,506
484
Culture and Food
Culturally, both cities are strongholds of American arts. Chicago is renowned for its architecture, music, museums, and culinary scene, offering deep-dish pizza and hot dogs. Detroit has a strong musical heritage tied to Motown and a food scene featuring Coney Island hot dogs and Detroit-style pizza.
Sports Teams
Both cities are home to several major sports teams. In Chicago, there are the Cubs and White Sox (MLB), the Bears (NFL), the Bulls (NBA), and the Blackhawks (NHL). Detroit is home to the Lions (NFL), the Pistons (NBA), the Tigers (MLB), and the Red Wings (NHL).
Chicago, IL
Detroit, MI
Chicago, IL and 
Detroit, MI : 237.6 miles
