Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

United States

United States
Based on our comparison, Las Vegas wins 5 out of 8 categories.Chicago wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Chicago and Las Vegas, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Las Vegas
$2,535/mo
Best Internet
Chicago
220 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Las Vegas
5.5/10
Our Recommendation: Las Vegas is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Chicago and Las Vegas for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Las Vegas is the more budget-friendly option at $2,535/month versus Chicago's $3,310/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Chicago leads with 220 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Las Vegas offers 200 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 4.5/10, Las Vegas offers better security than Chicago (3.4/10).
Overall: Las Vegas's NomadIQ score of 5.5/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Las Vegas is 23% cheaper than Chicago.
Las Vegas has a higher safety score (4.5/10) compared to Chicago (3.4/10).
3.4/10
Chicago
4.5/10
Las Vegas
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Chicago offers faster internet at 220 Mbps vs 200 Mbps.
220 Mbps
Chicago
200 Mbps
Las Vegas
Based on our analysis, Las Vegas edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Chicago: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Las Vegas: Best for budget-conscious expats
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