Side-by-side city decision

# Chicago vs Fes.

A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit.

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ChicagoUnited States3
VS
FesMorocco2

$2,300Chicago monthly budget
$570Fes monthly budget
100 MbpsChicago internet
20 MbpsFes internet

Decision summary
Chicago

Chicago leads on more of the six headline signals.

Cost
Best budget
Fes

Speed
Fastest internet
Chicago

Vibe
Best nomad vibe
Tie

Safety
Highest safety
Chicago

Air
Cleanest air
Fes

Walk
Most walkable
Chicago

Quick read

## Two cities at a glance

The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison.

[Chicago](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-states/chicago.md)
United States

3/6

Budget$2,300
Internet100 Mbps
Vibe7/10

[Fes](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/morocco/fes.md)
Morocco

2/6

Budget$570
Internet20 Mbps
Vibe7/10

Full comparison

## Compare what matters

Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner.

Differences only

### Monthly budget and costs

7 signals

Total estimated budget
$2,300
$570

1-bed center rent
$1,500
$300

Coworking desk
$200
$100

Local meal
$15
$5

Cappuccino
$5
$1.5

Gym membership
$50
$30

Transport budget
$100
$20

### Work and infrastructure

2 signals

Internet speed
100 Mbps
20 Mbps

Nomad vibe
7/10
7/10

### Quality of life

5 signals

Safety index
70/100
60/100

Air quality
50/100
60/100

Walkability
8/10
7/10

Female safety
7/10
6/10

LGBTQ+ friendly
8/10
3/10

### Culture and climate

4 signals

Healthcare quality
Good
Average

English proficiency
Excellent
Basic

Climate type
Humid continental
Mediterranean

Best time to visit
May - Oct
Mar - May

Beyond the numbers

## What each city asks you to trade

Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture.

[Chicago](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-states/chicago.md)
United States

→

### Strengths

* World-class architecture and lakefront

* Excellent public transit for a US city

* Diverse, vibrant neighborhoods

* Strong job market for tech and finance

* Affordable compared to NYC or SF

* Rich cultural scene: museums, theater, music

### Trade-offs

* Harsh winters with heavy snow and wind

* High state and local taxes

* Some areas have high crime rates

* Cost of living rising in popular neighborhoods

* Limited direct international flights compared to coasts

* Bureaucratic challenges for short-term rentals

### Common visa routes

* ESTA (visa waiver)

* B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa

* Remote work visa not applicable

[Fes](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/morocco/fes.md)
Morocco

→

### Strengths

* Extremely affordable cost of living

* Rich culture and historic medina

* Good weather for most of the year

* Friendly locals and slow-paced lifestyle

* Growing nomad community

* Reliable 4G connectivity in city center

### Trade-offs

* Limited English spoken outside tourist areas

* Tap water not safe to drink

* Airport far from city center

* Medina can be overwhelming and pushy vendors

* Internet speed can be inconsistent

* Public transport is limited

### Common visa routes

* 90-day visa on arrival for most nationalities

* Visa extension possible at local police stations

* Long-stay tourist visa (up to 1 year) with proof of income

Reading the result

## Use this as a planning benchmark

The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices.

Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices.
Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity.
Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.