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    Chicago vs Sevilla: A Complete Data-Driven Comparison

    ๐Ÿ™๏ธ

    Chicago

    United States ยท $2,600/mo

    0.00
    Total
    0.00
    Nomad
    ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ

    Sevilla

    Spain ยท $1,400/mo for a single person

    0.00
    Total
    0.00
    Nomad

    Choosing between Chicago, United States and Sevilla, Spain is one of the most common dilemmas facing digital nomads, expats, and remote workers in 2026. Both cities offer unique advantages. But the right choice depends entirely on your priorities, budget, and lifestyle preferences.

    In this comprehensive comparison, we analyze Chicago and Sevilla across 12 critical categories: Economic Factors, Quality of Life, Infrastructure & Connectivity, Housing & Living Spaces, and 8 more categories. Each category is scored on a 0-100 scale using data from over 20 verified sources, including Numbeo, WHO, Speedtest, and local government statistics.

    Chicago earns an overall score of 72.99/100, while Sevilla scores 72.92/100. A 0.07-point modest gap that Chicago leads. But headline scores never tell the full story. Let's break down exactly where each city excels and where it falls short.

    Chicago is described as: "Architectural marvel with deep cultural roots. Harsh winters but affordable by US standards." Meanwhile, Sevilla is known as: "Andalusia's flamenco soul: affordable tapas culture, warm winters, and a thriving nomad scene without the Barcelona price tag." These reputations are earned. But how do they hold up under rigorous data analysis? Read on.

    Economic Factors

    Chicago

    66
    / 100

    Sevilla

    67

    In economic factors, Sevilla takes the lead with a score of 67/100 compared to 66/100. This category covers employment & income, cost factors, economic environment.

    Chicago has a solid advantage in employment & income (74 vs 55). Sevilla has a commanding lead in cost factors (77 vs 50). Chicago has a solid advantage in economic environment (78 vs 65).

    Sevilla stands out for transportation costs, healthcare costs, currency stability, though salary levels and tax rates could be improved. Chicago performs well in currency stability and banking system despite the overall gap.

    Employment & Income

    Chicago

    74
    / 100

    Sevilla

    55

    Job Market Strength

    73/ 10055

    Salary Levels

    82/ 10045

    Freelance/Remote Work Market

    74/ 10065

    Entrepreneurship Environment

    68/ 10055

    Cost Factors

    Chicago

    50
    / 100

    Sevilla

    77

    Housing Costs

    42/ 10075

    Daily Living Costs

    48/ 10075

    Transportation Costs

    65/ 10080

    Entertainment Costs

    55/ 10075

    Healthcare Costs

    37/ 10080

    Education Costs

    52/ 10075

    Economic Environment

    Chicago

    78
    / 100

    Sevilla

    65

    Tax Rates

    56/ 10050

    Business Regulations

    64/ 10055

    Economic Stability

    83/ 10065

    Currency Stability

    95/ 10080

    Banking System

    90/ 10075

    Quality of Life

    Chicago

    67
    / 100

    Sevilla

    71

    In quality of life, Sevilla takes the lead with a score of 71/100 compared to 67/100. This category covers healthcare, education, safety & environment, climate & nature.

    Sevilla has a solid advantage in safety & environment (69 vs 57). Sevilla has a solid advantage in climate & nature (74 vs 64).

    Sevilla stands out for sunshine hours, healthcare affordability, language schools, though noise pollution and english-speaking medical staff could be improved. Chicago performs well in english-speaking medical staff and universities despite the overall gap.

    Healthcare

    Chicago

    75
    / 100

    Sevilla

    70

    Healthcare Quality

    87/ 10075

    Healthcare Accessibility

    71/ 10075

    Healthcare Affordability

    38/ 10080

    English-Speaking Medical Staff

    100/ 10060

    Mental Health Services

    74/ 10060

    Dental Care

    79/ 10070

    Education

    Chicago

    76
    / 100

    Sevilla

    71

    School Quality

    67/ 10070

    International Schools

    74/ 10065

    Universities

    94/ 10075

    Language Schools

    71/ 10080

    Vocational Training

    76/ 10065

    Safety & Environment

    Chicago

    57
    / 100

    Sevilla

    69

    Crime Rates

    33/ 10065

    Personal Safety

    39/ 10070

    Political Stability

    91/ 10075

    Natural Disaster Risk

    61/ 10075

    Air Quality

    54/ 10070

    Water Quality

    73/ 10070

    Noise Pollution

    49/ 10055

    Climate & Nature

    Chicago

    64
    / 100

    Sevilla

    74

    Climate Suitability

    59/ 10075

    Sunshine Hours

    71/ 10095

    Rainfall Patterns

    66/ 10075

    Natural Beauty

    79/ 10080

    Green Spaces

    89/ 10065

    Beach/Water Access

    73/ 10060

    Mountains/Hiking

    12/ 10065

    Infrastructure & Connectivity

    Chicago

    75
    / 100

    Sevilla

    72

    In infrastructure & connectivity, Chicago takes the lead with a score of 75/100 compared to 72/100. This category covers transportation, connectivity, digital infrastructure.

    Chicago stands out for airport connectivity, public transport quality, mobile network quality, though ferry connections and traffic congestion could be improved. Sevilla performs well in public transport affordability and walkability despite the overall gap.

    Transportation

    Chicago

    73
    / 100

    Sevilla

    74

    Public Transport Quality

    88/ 10070

    Public Transport Coverage

    82/ 10070

    Public Transport Affordability

    79/ 10085

    Bike Infrastructure

    76/ 10080

    Walkability

    81/ 10085

    Traffic Congestion

    41/ 10060

    Driving Conditions

    62/ 10065

    Taxi/Rideshare

    84/ 10070

    Car Ownership Necessity

    64/ 10080

    Connectivity

    Chicago

    70
    / 100

    Sevilla

    67

    Airport Connectivity

    94/ 10070

    Airport Distance

    81/ 10075

    Train Connections

    72/ 10075

    Bus Connections

    80/ 10075

    Ferry Connections

    25/ 10040

    Digital Infrastructure

    Chicago

    81
    / 100

    Sevilla

    73

    Internet Speed

    79/ 10075

    Internet Reliability

    86/ 10075

    Internet Cost

    69/ 10075

    Mobile Network Quality

    87/ 10075

    Coworking Spaces

    84/ 10070

    Public WiFi

    83/ 10065

    Housing & Living Spaces

    Chicago

    66
    / 100

    Sevilla

    70

    In housing & living spaces, Sevilla takes the lead with a score of 70/100 compared to 66/100. This category covers housing market, neighborhoods.

    Sevilla stands out for proximity to amenities, rental costs, housing variety, though gentrification trends and rental availability could be improved. Chicago performs well in proximity to amenities and neighborhood diversity despite the overall gap.

    Housing Market

    Chicago

    60
    / 100

    Sevilla

    68

    Rental Availability

    36/ 10060

    Rental Costs

    41/ 10075

    Purchase Prices

    61/ 10070

    Housing Quality

    77/ 10070

    Housing Variety

    81/ 10075

    Landlord Regulations

    63/ 10060

    Neighborhoods

    Chicago

    75
    / 100

    Sevilla

    71

    Neighborhood Diversity

    86/ 10075

    Expat/International Areas

    69/ 10075

    Gentrification Trends

    54/ 10055

    Proximity to Amenities

    89/ 10080

    Daily Life & Services

    Chicago

    81
    / 100

    Sevilla

    76

    In daily life & services, Chicago takes the lead with a score of 81/100 compared to 76/100. This category covers shopping & retail, food & dining, essential services, utilities & connectivity.

    Chicago has a solid advantage in shopping & retail (83 vs 72).

    Chicago stands out for restaurant variety, electricity reliability, e-commerce, though utility costs and restaurant affordability could be improved. Sevilla performs well in local markets and alcohol availability despite the overall gap.

    Shopping & Retail

    Chicago

    83
    / 100

    Sevilla

    72

    Supermarket Availability

    87/ 10085

    Shopping Mall Quantity

    76/ 10065

    Shopping Mall Quality

    79/ 10065

    International Brands

    89/ 10070

    Local Markets

    83/ 10090

    Opening Hours

    73/ 10055

    E-commerce

    91/ 10075

    Food & Dining

    Chicago

    83
    / 100

    Sevilla

    83

    Restaurant Variety

    94/ 10080

    Restaurant Quality

    89/ 10085

    Restaurant Affordability

    61/ 10085

    Cafรฉ Culture

    84/ 10080

    Street Food

    71/ 10085

    Alcohol Availability

    90/ 10090

    Food Delivery

    91/ 10075

    Essential Services

    Chicago

    80
    / 100

    Sevilla

    77

    Pharmacy Density

    89/ 10090

    24-Hour Pharmacies

    76/ 10070

    Medicine Availability

    89/ 10085

    Postal Services

    71/ 10065

    Banking Services

    90/ 10075

    Laundry Services

    74/ 10070

    Repair Services

    71/ 10075

    Hair Salons/Barbers

    83/ 10085

    Pet Services

    79/ 10075

    Utilities & Connectivity

    Chicago

    78
    / 100

    Sevilla

    71

    Electricity Reliability

    94/ 10080

    Water Reliability

    91/ 10080

    Utility Costs

    56/ 10065

    Heating/Cooling

    68/ 10060

    Waste Management

    79/ 10070

    Cultural & Social Life

    Chicago

    84
    / 100

    Sevilla

    79

    In cultural & social life, Chicago takes the lead with a score of 84/100 compared to 79/100. This category covers culture & entertainment, social life, community.

    Chicago stands out for language barriers, museums & galleries, sports culture, though nightlife safety and expat community size could be improved. Sevilla performs well in historical sites and festival calendar despite the overall gap.

    Culture & Entertainment

    Chicago

    87
    / 100

    Sevilla

    82

    Museums & Galleries

    94/ 10085

    Historical Sites

    86/ 10095

    Theaters & Performing Arts

    89/ 10080

    Music Scene

    93/ 10090

    Cinema Options

    80/ 10070

    Libraries

    79/ 10070

    Art Scene

    87/ 10085

    Social Life

    Chicago

    82
    / 100

    Sevilla

    79

    Nightlife Quality

    87/ 10085

    Nightlife Safety

    54/ 10070

    Festival Calendar

    91/ 10095

    Sports Culture

    94/ 10080

    Social Clubs

    79/ 10075

    Dating Scene

    77/ 10075

    LGBTQ+ Scene

    91/ 10070

    Community

    Chicago

    82
    / 100

    Sevilla

    74

    Local Friendliness

    81/ 10080

    Expat Community Size

    67/ 10075

    Expat Integration

    73/ 10070

    Language Barriers

    98/ 10055

    Cultural Events

    89/ 10090

    Professional & Career

    Chicago

    74
    / 100

    Sevilla

    66

    In professional & career, Chicago takes the lead with a score of 74/100 compared to 66/100. This category covers business environment, work environment, market opportunities.

    Chicago has a solid advantage in business environment (78 vs 61). Chicago has a solid advantage in market opportunities (73 vs 60).

    Chicago stands out for internet for work, major companies, remote work acceptance, though business visa options and work-life balance could be improved. Sevilla performs well in work-life balance and time zone despite the overall gap.

    Business Environment

    Chicago

    78
    / 100

    Sevilla

    61

    Industry Clusters

    79/ 10055

    Major Companies

    84/ 10055

    Startup Ecosystem

    71/ 10060

    Coworking Culture

    83/ 10070

    Professional Networking

    77/ 10065

    Business Associations

    74/ 10060

    Work Environment

    Chicago

    70
    / 100

    Sevilla

    77

    Work-Life Balance

    61/ 10085

    Remote Work Acceptance

    84/ 10075

    Internet for Work

    90/ 10075

    Time Zone

    69/ 10080

    Business Visa Options

    44/ 10070

    Market Opportunities

    Chicago

    73
    / 100

    Sevilla

    60

    Client Base

    84/ 10055

    Freelance Market

    71/ 10060

    Competition Level

    64/ 10065

    Lifestyle & Pace

    Chicago

    71
    / 100

    Sevilla

    71

    In lifestyle & pace, Chicago takes the lead with a score of 71/100 compared to 71/100. This category covers daily rhythm, lifestyle options, tourism impact.

    Chicago stands out for tourist infrastructure, weekend culture, fitness culture, though tourist volume and crowding could be improved. Sevilla performs well in weekend culture and pace of life despite the overall gap.

    Daily Rhythm

    Chicago

    72
    / 100

    Sevilla

    70

    Pace of Life

    64/ 10085

    Working Hours Culture

    69/ 10070

    Dining Hours

    76/ 10050

    Shop Opening Hours

    72/ 10055

    Weekend Culture

    79/ 10090

    Lifestyle Options

    Chicago

    75
    / 100

    Sevilla

    78

    Outdoor Lifestyle

    77/ 10085

    Fitness Culture

    79/ 10075

    Health Consciousness

    66/ 10070

    Pet Friendliness

    79/ 10075

    Family Orientation

    74/ 10085

    Tourism Impact

    Chicago

    65
    / 100

    Sevilla

    64

    Tourist Volume

    52/ 10050

    Tourism Seasonality

    59/ 10055

    Tourist Infrastructure

    84/ 10085

    Authenticity

    76/ 10075

    Crowding

    53/ 10055

    Legal & Administrative

    Chicago

    66
    / 100

    Sevilla

    72

    In legal & administrative, Sevilla takes the lead with a score of 72/100 compared to 66/100. This category covers visa & residency, administration, rights & freedoms.

    Sevilla has a commanding lead in visa & residency (77 vs 37). Chicago has a solid advantage in administration (76 vs 58).

    Sevilla stands out for deportation risk, visa requirements, freedom of speech, though bureaucracy level and language requirements could be improved. Chicago performs well in language requirements and freedom of speech despite the overall gap.

    Visa & Residency

    Chicago

    37
    / 100

    Sevilla

    77

    Visa Requirements

    36/ 10085

    Residency Options

    39/ 10080

    Residency Process

    37/ 10060

    Citizenship Pathway

    41/ 10070

    Deportation Risk

    32/ 10090

    Administration

    Chicago

    76
    / 100

    Sevilla

    58

    Bureaucracy Level

    61/ 10045

    Digital Government

    79/ 10065

    Document Requirements

    66/ 10055

    Language Requirements

    92/ 10050

    Legal System

    84/ 10075

    Rights & Freedoms

    Chicago

    84
    / 100

    Sevilla

    82

    Freedom of Speech

    91/ 10085

    Religious Freedom

    90/ 10085

    Women's Rights

    81/ 10080

    LGBTQ+ Rights

    87/ 10080

    Worker Rights

    71/ 10080

    Family & Children

    Chicago

    69
    / 100

    Sevilla

    79

    In family & children, Sevilla takes the lead with a score of 79/100 compared to 69/100. This category covers child-friendly infrastructure, family services.

    Sevilla has a solid advantage in family services (77 vs 64).

    Sevilla stands out for kid activities, playgrounds, child safety, though baby/toddler facilities and childcare availability could be improved. Chicago performs well in playgrounds and kid activities despite the overall gap.

    Child-Friendly Infrastructure

    Chicago

    75
    / 100

    Sevilla

    80

    Playgrounds

    84/ 10080

    Kid Activities

    84/ 10085

    Child Safety

    51/ 10080

    Pediatric Care

    81/ 10080

    Baby/Toddler Facilities

    74/ 10075

    Family Services

    Chicago

    64
    / 100

    Sevilla

    77

    Childcare Availability

    59/ 10075

    Childcare Costs

    41/ 10075

    School Holidays

    71/ 10080

    Extracurricular Activities

    83/ 10080

    Family Housing

    64/ 10075

    Practical Considerations

    Chicago

    76
    / 100

    Sevilla

    73

    In practical considerations, Chicago takes the lead with a score of 76/100 compared to 73/100. This category covers transportation costs, special services, communication, emergency services.

    Chicago stands out for language learning, emergency numbers, gas station density, though vehicle costs and fuel prices could be improved. Sevilla performs well in language learning and emergency numbers despite the overall gap.

    Transportation Costs

    Chicago

    66
    / 100

    Sevilla

    67

    Fuel Prices

    59/ 10060

    Gas Station Density

    89/ 10075

    EV Infrastructure

    66/ 10065

    Vehicle Costs

    54/ 10065

    Vehicle Maintenance

    64/ 10070

    Special Services

    Chicago

    80
    / 100

    Sevilla

    73

    Moving Services

    79/ 10070

    Storage Facilities

    74/ 10070

    Translation Services

    82/ 10075

    Legal Services

    84/ 10075

    Accounting Services

    80/ 10075

    Communication

    Chicago

    78
    / 100

    Sevilla

    78

    Postal Reliability

    73/ 10065

    Package Import

    64/ 10070

    Language Learning

    94/ 10090

    International Calling

    81/ 10085

    Emergency Services

    Chicago

    82
    / 100

    Sevilla

    78

    Emergency Response

    81/ 10075

    Emergency Healthcare

    86/ 10075

    Emergency Numbers

    90/ 10090

    Natural Disaster Preparedness

    71/ 10070

    Specific to Your Profile

    Chicago

    71
    / 100

    Sevilla

    78

    In specific to your profile, Sevilla takes the lead with a score of 78/100 compared to 71/100. This category covers remote work specific, personal circumstances.

    Sevilla has a solid advantage in personal circumstances (81 vs 71).

    Sevilla stands out for partner citizenship advantages, time zone alignment, citizenship advantages, though industry presence and tech ecosystem could be improved. Chicago performs well in language skills and dietary requirements despite the overall gap.

    Remote Work Specific

    Chicago

    72
    / 100

    Sevilla

    75

    Time Zone Alignment

    34/ 10090

    Coworking Day Passes

    81/ 10070

    Cafรฉ Laptop Culture

    85/ 10075

    Video Call Quality

    87/ 10075

    Tech Ecosystem

    74/ 10065

    Personal Circumstances

    Chicago

    71
    / 100

    Sevilla

    81

    Citizenship Advantages

    28/ 10090

    Partner Citizenship Advantages

    50/ 10095

    Industry Presence

    71/ 10060

    Language Skills

    96/ 10070

    Religious/Cultural Fit

    81/ 10075

    Dietary Requirements

    91/ 10085

    Hobby Availability

    84/ 10085

    Pet Import Rules

    63/ 10085

    The Verdict: Chicago or Sevilla?

    With an overall score of 72.99/100 versus 72.92/100, Chicago leads on paper. But the "better" city ultimately depends on what matters most to you.

    Chicago excels in infrastructure & connectivity, daily life & services, cultural & social life. Sevilla leads in economic factors, quality of life, housing & living spaces.

    Use our interactive comparison tool to drill deeper into specific metrics. No single ranking captures the complexity of choosing a new home. But data-driven analysis gives you the best starting point.

    Dive Deeper with Our Interactive Tool

    See the full data breakdown with live filtering and side-by-side analysis.

    Compare Chicago vs Sevilla Live