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Living in Chicago as a foreigner: What is it really like?
Find out what living in Chicago is like: quality of life, pros, cons, cost of living, and key tips for you.
For those thinking about living in Chicago, the city is a popular choice for a temporary or long-term stay in the United States. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago boasts stunning architecture, a diverse culture, and a lively urban scene, offering plenty of professional opportunities along with a rich mix of cultural and culinary experiences.
For many expats, living in Chicago means experiencing the pace of a major American city, with access to jobs and top universities. At the same time, it requires adjusting to everyday realities like harsh winters, the cost of living, and the sheer size of the city.
This article explores what life is really like for expats in Chicago, including the city’s lifestyle, the main perks of moving there, and some challenges to consider. You’ll also find practical tips, from cost of living to everyday details, to help you picture yourself living in the city.
Quality of life in Chicago
If you’re considering living in Chicago, it’s important to get a clear sense of what life there is really like before making a decision. As the third largest city in the United States and part of one of the country’s biggest metropolitan areas, Chicago offers a strong economy, rich culture, and well-developed urban infrastructure.
Education and academic opportunities
One of the biggest advantages of living in Chicago is access to top quality education. The city is home to world renowned universities like the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the Illinois Institute of Technology, as well as numerous research centers and specialized schools.
According to OECD data, the United States offers high access to higher education compared with many other developed countries, with over half of young adults holding a tertiary degree. Cities like Chicago, with their concentration of universities, create an international environment where students, researchers, and professionals from around the world come together.
If you’re moving with your family, you’ll find a wide range of public, private, and international schools, though quality can vary between districts, which is typical in large U.S. cities.
Economy and employment
Another key factor when looking at quality of life in Chicago is the local economy. The city is one of the United States’ main financial and business hubs, hosting companies across finance, logistics, technology, consulting, and international trade.
Recent 2025 data shows that the average yearly salary in the Chicago Naperville Elgin metro area is over $78,000, though it varies a lot depending on the field, experience, and job type. In sectors like tech and other professional roles, pay tends to be much higher than the national average.
Safety and the urban environment
Safety is another important factor that affects what it’s like to live in Chicago as an expat. Like many large cities, crime levels can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another.
According to the Chicago Police Department and public crime data, some areas in downtown and northern Chicago tend to have lower crime rates than others. Neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, the Loop, and River North are known for their strong infrastructure, good public transport, and wide range of urban amenities.
Healthcare system
The U.S. healthcare system is known for its high medical standards, but also for being expensive. For this reason, having health insurance is almost essential if you plan to live in Chicago as an expat.
The city has well equipped hospitals and medical centers, some connected to universities or prestigious hospital networks. However, without health insurance, the cost of doctor visits, emergency care, or treatments can be very high.
For this reason, many expats choose international or private health insurance to access medical care without facing excessive costs.
Digital connectivity and the internet
Connectivity is also an important part of modern life, especially if you work remotely or need to stay online constantly. In this regard, Chicago has a well developed digital infrastructure. Providers like Xfinity, AT&T, and Verizon offer high speed internet across much of the city, and Wi‑Fi is commonly available in coworking spaces, libraries, and public areas.
If you’re coming to the U.S. and need internet immediately, Holafly’s U.S. eSIM is a convenient way to get mobile data without a local SIM. For longer stays or remote work, their monthly plans provide unlimited data and let you connect multiple devices at once.
Having reliable internet from day one makes everyday tasks much easier, whether it’s finding a place to live, using ride‑sharing apps, working online, or keeping in touch with family as you settle into life in Chicago.
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Advantages of living in Chicago
Moving to a big city always comes with challenges, but also plenty of opportunities. If you’re thinking about living in Chicago, the city has several benefits that make it an appealing choice. Here are some of the main advantages of being an expat in Chicago.
A robust job market and a diversified economy
One of the biggest advantages of living in Chicago is its strong and diverse economy. The city is a major financial and business hub in the United States and is home to headquarters of both national and international companies.
Industries like finance, logistics, technology, consulting, healthcare, and trade provide job opportunities for a wide range of professionals. On top of that, Chicago is a major transportation and commerce hub, which drives business activity and job growth.
For many foreign professionals, this means greater opportunities to find work or build a career in a competitive, global environment.
A multicultural and diverse city
Another major benefit of living in Chicago as an expat is its cultural diversity. The city has a long history of immigration and is now home to vibrant international communities.
Areas such as Pilsen, Chinatown, and Little Italy highlight Chicago’s cultural mix through their cuisine, customs, and community activities. This variety helps newcomers from other countries find familiar spaces and feel more at ease as they settle into city life.
People also recognize Chicago for its arts scene, cultural festivals, and wide variety of international cuisine.
Urban infrastructure and public transportation
Chicago is also known for its well developed urban infrastructure. The city’s public transit system, run by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), features the elevated trains, known as the “L,” along with an extensive bus network that covers much of the city.
This makes it possible to get around without a car in many areas, something that isn’t always possible in other U.S. cities.
Strategic location within the United States
Chicago’s central location in the U.S. makes it easy to travel to other destinations. O’Hare International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, offers connections to countless domestic and international cities, making it relatively simple to visit other states or return home when needed.
Drawbacks of living in Chicago as a foreigner
While living in Chicago comes with many opportunities and benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind before making the move. Like in many big cities, life here can be very rewarding, but it also comes with challenges, from the weather and cost of living to adjusting to the U.S. system.
If you’re considering living in Chicago as an expat, here are some of the most common challenges people mention about spending time in the city.
Very cold winters and extreme weather
Winters can be harsh, with below‑freezing temperatures, strong winds, and frequent snowstorms.
The city is famously nicknamed the “Windy City,” which can make winter temperatures feel even colder. If you’re coming from a milder or warmer climate, you may find these winters one of the biggest challenges during the first few months.
Relatively high cost of living
Another challenge many expats notice in Chicago is the cost of living. While it’s generally more affordable than cities like New York or San Francisco, it’s still considered expensive by U.S. standards.
Rent is often one of the biggest expenses, especially in central neighborhoods or areas with good public transport. On top of that, you have typical costs like health insurance, commuting, food, and utilities. For this reason, many newcomers share an apartment or choose more affordable neighborhoods while they get settled.
Expensive healthcare system
The U.S. healthcare system is known for its quality, but also for being expensive. If you plan to live in Chicago as an expat, having health insurance is almost essential.
Without insurance, even basic doctor visits or trips to the emergency room can be very costly. This can come as a shock to people from countries with more accessible public healthcare.
Safety differences between neighborhoods
Another factor to keep in mind when living in Chicago is that safety can vary a lot between neighborhoods. Some areas have strong infrastructure, visible police presence, and a quiet residential feel, while others may experience higher crime rates.
For this reason, choosing the right neighborhood to live in is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your first days in the city.
Traffic and long commutes
While Chicago has a relatively efficient public transportation system by U.S. standards, traffic can be heavy during rush hours, and commutes can be long, especially if you live far from downtown or your workplace.
In addition, during the winter, weather conditions can disrupt transportation or make daily commutes more inconvenient.
Frequently asked questions about living in Chicago
Yes, Chicago is considered a top choice for expats because it can be a very positive experience. The city combines a diverse, multicultural population with a strong economy and job opportunities in areas like finance, tech, education, and logistics. It also offers a vibrant cultural scene and neighborhoods with their own unique character.
It can be challenging at first. Winters in Chicago are cold, with subzero temperatures and strong winds. That said, the city is well equipped for these conditions, and with the right clothing, you can get used to it.
In many neighborhoods, getting around without a car is manageable. Chicago’s CTA runs elevated trains and buses throughout the city, and a lot of residents rely on public transit or cycling for their daily commute.
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. The U.S. healthcare system is largely private and can be expensive without insurance. Most residents and expats have some form of coverage to handle doctor visits, emergencies, or treatments.
Chicago has a highly diverse economy with job opportunities across many industries. Professionals with experience in tech, finance, engineering, marketing, or logistics often find good prospects in the city’s job market.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
