Serious question. I may have the opportunity to relocate to either Boston or Chicago for 12 months. Currently living near NYC so accustomed to high COL. No kids so school not a factor and will rent instead of buy. Again, only for 12 months so there is an end in sight.
Chicago
Pros: centrally located, Cubs and Wrigley, cool architecture, awesome food options, nice downtown, Lake Michigan, the L, closer to the lakes in Minnesota and Wisconsin and cities to visit (Milwaukee, Minneapolis/St Paul, Madison)
Cons: wind, rough winter, high crime in south and southwest part of city, city and state government
Boston
Pros: Red Sox and Fenway, closer to VT, NH, ME, and Canada, world class universities, awesome Italian in north Boston, lobstah. Hard to beat the fall in the northeast.
Cons: another northeast city, not sure about mass transit since I am spoiled by the subway system in NYC, colder winter than NYC?
I've been to both cities multiple times but haven't stayed long enough to really get to know the city. Chicago seems more spread out and rougher around the edge. Boston was harder to drive especially around downtown and The Big Dig. I missed an exit and swear it took me 20 minutes to get back on track.
State income tax of about 5% in both so a wash.
I am sure there are some fallacies in my pros and cons so not looking for a fight but rather honest opinion on both. Thanks.