The Chicago metro area has almost 9.5 million residents, 2.8 in the city proper. The larger Great Lakes Basin, depending on how you look at it, has anywhere from 35 to 60 million residents.
> cheap COL
Chicago can be pricey, but almost every other major city in the region is around 20% less costly than Austin (using Austin since it's got the largest pull of your mentioned alternatives).
The Chicago metro area has almost 9.5 million residents, 2.8 in the city proper. The larger Great Lakes Basin, depending on how you look at it, has anywhere from 35 to 60 million residents.
> cheap COL
Chicago can be pricey, but almost every other major city in the region is around 20% less costly than Austin (using Austin since it's got the largest pull of your mentioned alternatives).