Lessons From the Windy City Through South African Eyes
When you land in Chicago for the first time, you can’t help but compare it to Johannesburg. Both are proud industrial giants with skylines that hint at history, grit, and ambition. Joburg is the city of gold, Chicago is the city of steel and stockyards. Both cities are tough, unapologetic, and alive with energy.
However, once you settle in, the differences become apparent quickly. The Windy City has exhilarating snowstorms that make Joburg’s summer thunderstorms feel like drizzle. People here smile at strangers (often), the pizza is so heavy it needs a forklift, and let’s not get started on public transport — something you won’t find much of in Jozi unless you’re braving a minibus taxi.
As a South African, I’ve come to appreciate both the challenges and the quirks. And if you’re thinking of making the exciting leap, here’s what you need to know about Chicago compared to Johannesburg.
Cost of Living: What does living in Chicago typically cost?
South Africans love a good moan about rising petrol prices, but in Chicago, it’s the property and sales taxes that make you gulp. Renting a decent flat in downtown Chicago can cost more than a full townhouse in Joburg’s northern suburbs.
If you are thinking of opening a small business here, you’ll want to check out the City’s Business Resources page. It helps newcomers find business centers, neighborhood development programs, and webinars on budgeting for business costs.
At the same time, the quality of life is very different and, in many ways, much more enjoyable. Public parks, safety measures, and infrastructure here soak up those high taxes. It stings, yes, but you do see where some of the money goes.
Is it cheaper to live in America or South Africa?
Day-to-day, South Africa still feels more affordable, for now, eating out, local travel, and housing. But salaries in Chicago are generally higher, which balances the scales for many professionals.
Is Chicago the most expensive city?
No, it’s not Manhattan or San Francisco, but Chicago is still in the top tier. You’ll notice the costs immediately when you factor in housing, healthcare, and transport.
Is Johannesburg cheap or expensive?
By global standards, Johannesburg is affordable. But South Africans know all too well about the hidden costs: private security, load shedding solutions, and medical aid chew up a big slice of income.
For anyone curious about exact numbers, you can find a full breakdown in the Amerikaner’s guide to the cost of living.
When the Windy City Meets Joburg Thunder
In Johannesburg, when the summer storms roll in, you know what to expect: hot, heavy air, dark clouds building like drama queens, and a downpour so intense for our power grid that the power trips before the first lightning strike. Then, just as quickly as the sun’s back out, the Jacaranda trees look like nothing happened.
Chicago, though, doesn’t play in the same league. The so-called “Windy City” isn’t just about politics or breezes off Lake Michigan — it’s about the kind of winter winds that cut straight through your bones. A fashion jacket won’t cut it in Chicago. This city requires serious investment in winter gear: boots, gloves, scarves — the works.
How cold does Chicago get on average?
On average, Chicago winters drop to around -6°C (21°F), but wind chill can make it feel even colder. For a South African, that’s not “wear your beanie cold”.
Safety and Lifestyle: Two Cities, Different Realities
Every South African arrives in the U.S. with safety on their radar. We’ve all been trained to lock doors, check mirrors, and think twice before walking anywhere at night. So, when you land in Chicago, it’s natural to ask: Is it safe?
The answer is layered. Chicago is a city of contrasts: some neighborhoods buzz with restaurants, joggers, and jazz clubs well past midnight, while others still grapple with crime. The big difference? In Chicago, safety is often about where you go — something locals are quick to point out.
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Yes, in many areas. Popular neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, The Loop, and River North are well-patrolled and feel welcoming. Like anywhere, some pockets need extra caution, but overall, Chicago has a reputation as a livable, vibrant city.
Is it a good idea to live in Chicago?
If you enjoy city life, absolutely. Chicago offers world-class museums, incredible food, sports, and music. It’s a city that rewards curiosity — the more you explore, the more it gives back.
Is Chicago safe to walk around at night?
Downtown and well-lit areas are generally safe, especially where nightlife and tourism thrive. Still, it pays to be street-smart: walk with purpose, avoid dark shortcuts, and know your route.
Which Chicago suburb is safest?
Chicago’s suburbs often feel like a world apart. Places like Naperville, Evanston, and Oak Park consistently rank as safe, family-friendly areas with strong community vibes.
Of course, safety isn’t just about crime rates — it’s also about lifestyle. What struck me most is how public spaces in Chicago are alive: parks, sidewalks, and waterfront trails filled with people. That energy makes you feel connected. South Africans sometimes joke that the scariest thing in Chicago isn’t crime — it’s trying to parallel park under pressure while the meter flashes red.
For more on everyday life, check Amerikaners’ guide to lifestyles.
Getting Around: The ‘L’ Train vs. Joburg Traffic
In South Africa, you’re conditioned to think: no car, no freedom. The daily commute is a ritual of traffic jams, taxi hand signals, and the many dodgy potholes. So, when you arrive in Chicago and discover a public transport system that actually works most of the time, it’s a revelation.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), with its famous “L” trains, can get you almost anywhere … but transport isn’t the only cost to factor in here. For understanding how “business-friendly” the city is — from taxes to labor cost — I lean on data from World Business Chicago, which publishes insights on how much it costs to run businesses and what workforce costs are like.
Is it easy to get around Chicago without a car?
Yes — especially if you live in the city. Between the trains, buses, rideshares, and even Divvy bikes, Chicago is remarkably navigable.
What US city has the best public transportation?
New York still takes the crown, but Chicago ranks among the top for reliability and reach.
Do people use public transportation in Chicago?
All the time. From office commuters to baseball fans heading to Wrigley Field, the system is woven into daily life.
Where does Chicago rank in public transportation?
It’s consistently in the top 10 U.S. cities, thanks to its extensive coverage and round-the-clock service on some lines.
Of course, driving hasn’t disappeared. Parking downtown could feel like winning the lottery — if the lottery also came with fines, flashing meters, and app downloads. Still, it’s refreshing to live in a city where you can choose not to drive.
For more details, check Amerikaners’ guide to transport systems.
Two Industrial Giants, Two Different Lessons
Chicago and Johannesburg share more than skylines and industry — both are cities that teach resilience. Each has its storms, whether it’s Joburg’s summer thunder or Chicago’s winter snow, and each asks you to adapt, toughen up, and keep moving forward.
But here’s the difference: in Chicago, you discover new opportunities hidden in the challenge. It’s a place where public parks stay alive late into the night, where you can swap minibus taxis for subway trains, and where a slice of pizza is so big it feels like a full meal.
For South Africans, living in the U.S. isn’t always easy, but it comes with gifts: fresh experiences, cultural surprises, and a new kind of freedom. If you ever dream of launching a side hustle or understand what business regulation looks like here, sites like the City’s Applying for a Business License guide make it way more accessible than you might expect — showing that with proper planning, the cost isn’t prohibitive, just real.
At the end of the day, both cities prove the same truth: no matter where you land, life rewards curiosity, resilience, and gratitude. And for that, I’m thankful — because building a new life in Chicago isn’t just about surviving the cold, it’s about embracing the adventure.
Sam Busa
