New York City and Chicago are two of our nation’s biggest and most influential cities. This means they draw a lot of attention from young professionals, especially fresh graduates entering the job market and looking for the best place to establish a new life. Both cities have attractive elements, but which is better for young professionals?

New York City and Chicago: City Rankings

According to CNBC, New York City is the number one city currently attracting young professionals. While the rise in remote work has allowed many to live wherever they want, demand for jobs specifically in NYC has grown 7 times since 2019! This pattern has continued from pre-covid times but on a much larger scale.

New York City and Chicago are ranked as the number one and number two cities that young professionals are flocking to, but New York City’s number of young graduates is still double that of Chicago. This might make us think that New York City is the clear winner, but there’s more to it than that. Manhattan is the most expensive place to live in the country, and by a wide margin. This leaves many of its young professionals – 1 in 3, in fact – rethinking their decision and planning to leave after school.

Chicago Pros

Chicago is a lively city, full of theatre and comedy shows, jazz music, big-time sports fans, and of course, deep-dish pizza. It’s the second most popular city among young professionals, and for good reason. It boasts a thriving job market in many industries, including many Fortune 500 companies. It is also a hub of the financial industry, with JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America having a major presence in the city. To top it off, Chicago’s cost of living is 50% lower than that of Manhattan.

New York City Pros

New York offers world-famous attractions, like Central Park and Ellis Island. It is known for world-class Broadway shows (in fact, it is the birthplace of Broadway) and museums, and it is known as a fashion capital. It is the city that never sleeps, and its vibrant culture is known to attract visitors worldwide, so why wouldn’t it attract young professionals?

Commuting times are a bit higher in New York City than in Chicago, but not by much. Walkability is a positive point for the city, and public transportation is available 24-7, and reliable. Most of all, New York City has the third-largest economy in the United States. Opportunities abound for young professionals in just about any industry.

Which is Better?

In the end, it comes down to personal preference. Young professionals searching for a more affordable city full of opportunity and culture can find what they’re looking for in Chicago. This is especially true for those seeking roles in the financial industry.

Those who don’t mind a higher cost of living in exchange for a busier scene in a city that never sleeps might prefer to opt for New York City. Both cities have a high level of appeal for young people, and neither is a bad choice.