Living in Chicago as an expat
When moving to Chicago, you can expect a vibrant, multicultural, and business-oriented experience. Chicago is situated between the American heartland and Lake Michigan and is the third-largest city in the United States. Ongoing investment in infrastructure and education yields a strong local economy and job market, attracting many expats along with international and multinational organisations.
Working in Chicago
Chicago is a hub of American commerce and is considered by many to be one of the most dynamic economic centres in the country. Numerous Fortune 500 companies call the city home, with financial services, manufacturing, and IT forming the backbone of the local economy. Thanks in part to the healthy state of the local job market, salaries in Chicago are generally higher than the national average.
Opportunities for employment in Chicago abound, and you're unlikely to struggle when looking for a job. Most vacancies are advertised online on various job portals or company websites. If you're trying to advance your career in the Windy City, be sure to build a strong network of professional connections to help you climb the corporate ladder.
Chicago's work culture is representative of the city's international roots, creating a diverse and fast-paced business environment. If you're used to a structured and hierarchical professional milieu, the city's tendency to reward ambition, initiative, and achievement can take some getting used to.
Lifestyle in Chicago
Chicago offers newcomers a balanced palette of culture, attractions, and activities. The lifestyle in the Windy City revolves around entertainment – the city is famous for its theatre and arts scene, with numerous live-music and performing-arts venues lining the streets in many parts of town.
Foodies are equally well catered for. Options range from fine dining to street food and the city's famous deep-dish pizza. Head to Little Italy for authentic Italian cuisine, or to Pilsen for vibrant and flavourful Mexican specialities. If shopping is your thing, be sure to pay the Magnificent Mile and the Maxwell Street market a visit.
The city’s location on Lake Michigan appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, with abundant swimming, sailing, and walking opportunities in the summer, and ice skating and snowman building in the frosty but charming winter months.
Lifestyle in Chicago
Weekend Breaks in Chicago
Finding accommodation in Chicago
A wide range of accommodation options is available in Chicago, and you'll be sure to find something that suits your needs and lifestyle. Fortunately, housing prices in Chicago are on the lower side compared to other major US cities. Hire a real estate agent to help find the perfect home, or chat with your relocation company. You might be lucky enough to have a provider that offers house-hunting in addition to regular moving services.
You can choose from all sorts of areas and suburbs in Chicago, each with its own unique atmosphere. Living outside of the city centre is also not a problem, as all areas are well serviced by the city's efficient and affordable public transport network.
Renting Expat Accommodation in Chicago
Best (and Worst) Areas and Suburbs in Chicago
Cost of living in Chicago
While the cost of living in Chicago is somewhat higher than the national average, it is lower than in many other large American cities, such as New York City and San Francisco.
Accommodation is priced reasonably by national standards, but will still likely be your most significant expense, with public transport and entertainment being more affordable than in some other popular destinations in the United States. Groceries can be pricey – shop at local markets and chain supermarkets to get the best bang for your buck.
While health insurance is one of the more significant expenses you'll have to account for when moving anywhere in the USA, when relocating to Chicago, you can rest assured that you will have access to high-quality medical services. The city is home to some of the best hospitals in the USA, primarily due to the presence of many medical schools.
Fortunately, the high cost of living is offset by the fact that salaries in Chicago are generally higher than the national average.
Living in Chicago with children
Outdoor attractions abound in Chicago, from the shoreline of Lake Michigan to the city's many parks and green spaces, meaning that there's always something to do with the little ones. There are also numerous water parks, theme parks and an interactive children's museum where you can spend an afternoon of educational fun with your children.
Healthcare in the Windy City is of an excellent standard, meaning that you and your family will be well looked after. The high quality of care comes at an equally high cost – be sure to budget for health insurance to reduce the financial burden of any visits to the doctor's office.
Kids and Family in Chicago
Healthcare in Chicago
Finding a school in Chicago
Those moving to Chicago with children will be pleased to find that the city offers a solid range of both public and international schooling options. Public schools in Chicago are free, but admission is based on zoning, meaning you'll need to live near the school you want your children to attend. If you prefer for your kids to continue with a familiar curriculum, an international school following your home country's curriculum will be your best option. These schools are usually expensive, but offer an elevated standard of education.
Education and Schools in Chicago
Best International Schools in Chicago
Getting around in Chicago
Getting from A to B in Chicago is easy, thanks to the city's efficient and largely affordable public transport system. Elevated trains, known as 'the L', and buses form a broad network connecting the city's neighbourhoods. The Ventra Card smartcard system makes payment a breeze. Both regular meter taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Chicago, and are a convenient alternative to taking the train or car.
Driving in Chicago can be a challenge, as the city often experiences severe traffic and icy roads in the winter. Finding parking can be tricky and expensive, too, prompting many to opt for public transport instead.
If your daily commute is short, or you prefer to experience the city at a slower pace, you'll be pleased to find out that Chicago has some of the best walking and cycling infrastructure in the United States. Sidewalks and walkways are wide and well maintained, and some areas, like the lakefront and the Chicago Riverwalk are limited to pedestrians, making getting around on foot or by bicycle an enjoyable experience.
Climate in Chicago
Chicago has a humid continental climate with distinct seasonal variations. Summers are warm to hot, often accompanied by high humidity, with average high temperatures peaking in the mid-80s°F (around 30°C). Winters can be harsh, characterised by cold temperatures, snow and the infamous 'lake-effect' snowstorms driven by the nearby Lake Michigan. Temperatures fr fall below freezing, with averages in the 20s°F and 30s°F (-6°C to 1°C).
Expats from milder climates may need some time to adjust to the city's brisk winter temperatures, but many find the summer's heat and the beauty of the city's four distinct seasons to be worth the winter chill.
For those contemplating a move to Chicago, the city presents an engaging blend of opportunities and lifestyle options. From its diverse job market, wide range of accommodation, high-quality medical services and well-established education system to its family-friendly attractions and unique climate, Chicago has much to offer.