2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Chicago, IL vs Fairfax, VA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Fairfax older or younger than people in Chicago?
- The Median Age in Fairfax is 2.6 years older than in Chicago.

Are housing costs cheaper in Fairfax or Chicago?
- Fairfax housing costs are 130.3% more expensive than Chicago housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Fairfax or Chicago?
- The average commute for residents of Fairfax is 3.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Chicago.

Things to do in Chicago?
Chicago, Illinois is an American icon. Located along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, it's a vibrant city with an energy like no other. It's renowned for its world-class museums and galleries, rich history and stunning architecture. With hundreds of parks and beaches to explore, amazing restaurants to sample, and a bustling nightlife scene - Chicago has something for everyone! It's the home of diverse cultures and international events, making it one of the most unique cities in the US.

Things to do in Fairfax?
Fairfax is an incorporated city sitting within Fairfax County, Virginia featuring plenty of things to do during your stay like attending concerts at the historic Sunnyside Botanical Garden suitable for those looking to enjoy some family friendly fun plus nearby Sully Historic Site has stunning views ideal for outdoor activities. Additionally there are several locally owned stores and eateries providing unique items or delicious cuisine great for any budget during their stay here!

 Chicago, ILFairfax, VAUnited States
 Population  Unlock23,980329,725,481
 Median Income$65,781  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$284,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time34.63  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Chicago    270 Reviews

I've lived in Chicago city and later moved to suburbs when family size increased. Absolutely love this city. This is the cleanest and most beautiful among the major  More

   |    Reply

Chicago is probably the best value in a major city that you can find and my personal favorite city. It will become increasingly important as climate change makes the  More

   |    Reply

I've live on north side and south side, UIC medical center. Don't move here go to the north side. No good amenities, if you get bored with one there is no other choices.  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Chicago

Reviews for Fairfax    28 Reviews

I lived in the area for 17 years through high school until I eventually became a truck driver. Having now seen most states extensively, I wanted to fairly review what  More

   |    Reply

Living in Fairfax, or any of the Northern Virginia suburbs of DC, means dealing with highways that are a Gordian knot of converging lanes and overpasses, making long  More

   |    Reply

Over 10 years ago

The Cost of living here is high. Though the standard of living is also high, unless you're making over 50,000/year, it's difficult to both live and build any sort of  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Fairfax


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.