A comparison between rental properties in New York City and Chicago reveals significant differences in space and amenities available for the same monthly rent of $2,200. The New York City resident, paying this amount for a one-bedroom unit in Queens, found that a similarly priced apartment in Chicago offered considerably more space and features during a recent visit.
The New York City apartment is a 650-square-foot one-bedroom in Queens, with an open floor plan connecting the kitchen and living space, as well as a small additional room used for storage and recreation. However, the unit lacks some conveniences, including in-unit or on-site laundry and an oven, featuring only a stovetop and microwave. The commute to Manhattan from this apartment is approximately 40 minutes by train.
In contrast, the Chicago rental, located in the Woodlawn neighborhood about 45 minutes from downtown by train, is a newly constructed three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit with 1,400 square feet of space, more than double the size of the New York apartment. This property boasts modern kitchen amenities such as marble countertops, a geometric backsplash, and stainless steel appliances including an oven and microwave.
The Chicago unit includes two entrances, a private back entrance with a small patio, and an assigned parking spot, while the New York apartment has a shared entrance and no included parking. The living area in Chicago is notably larger with three tall windows providing natural light. Storage space is also superior, featuring multiple closets along a hallway leading to the bedrooms.
The main bedroom in the Chicago apartment includes a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom, and the apartment has a separate laundry closet equipped with a washer and dryer, amenities missing from the New York unit. Bathrooms in the Chicago rental have modern décor with marble floors and contrasting backsplashes.
Despite the allure of this more spacious and feature-rich apartment in Chicago, the resident expressed a preference for staying in New York City but acknowledged the advantages the Chicago rental presents in terms of value and comfort. This comparison highlights significant rental market disparities between the two cities, with Queens average rents around $3,486 and Chicago’s approximately $1,976 as of January 2026.
