Chicago, covering 234 square miles, is a sprawling metropolis. But how does its size compare to other major cities, especially London? Let’s visualize Chicago’s footprint against other global cities to understand its scale.
Chicago Dwarfed by London’s Urban Sprawl
London’s vastness becomes strikingly clear when compared to Chicago. The Greater London urban area encompasses a staggering 671 square miles, making Chicago appear minuscule in comparison. With nearly 10 million residents, London’s population further emphasizes the difference in scale, making Chicago feel significantly smaller.
Comparing Chicago to Other Major Cities
To further illustrate Chicago’s size, let’s examine its footprint against other well-known cities:
New York City: A Significant Difference
New York City, at 469 square miles, dwarfs Chicago. Even the population of Brooklyn alone rivals Chicago’s total population.
Los Angeles: Sprawling but Less Dense
Los Angeles, more than double the size of Chicago at 503 square miles, has a surprisingly lower population density. Its expansive size contrasts with its lack of a comprehensive public transportation system.
Beijing: A Megacity Comparison
Beijing’s massive 6,336 square miles makes Chicago seem insignificant. China boasts over 30 municipalities with populations exceeding Chicago’s.
Smaller Cities: Milwaukee, Boston, San Francisco, and Paris
Milwaukee (97 square miles), Boston (89 square miles, with only 48 square miles of land), and Paris (40 square miles) are all considerably smaller than Chicago. San Francisco, with a total area of 232 square miles (including the bay), has a land area of just 46.8 square miles.
Conclusion: Chicago’s Size in Perspective
While Chicago is undoubtedly a large city within the United States, its size pales in comparison to global megacities like London and Beijing. Comparing Chicago to cities like New York, Los Angeles, and even smaller urban areas helps to contextualize its size on a global scale. London, in particular, highlights the significant size difference, emphasizing the vastness of the UK’s capital.
