Chicago
606 km²
Philadelphia
370 km²
USA
United States
Area Comparison
Chicago is 1.6x larger than Philadelphia
Population Comparison
Chicago has 1.7x more people than Philadelphia
Chicago is significantly larger, covering 1.6 times the area of Philadelphia. Chicago spans 606 km² (234 mi²) while Philadelphia covers 370 km² (143 mi²) — a difference of 236 km².
To put Chicago's size in perspective, its area of 606 km² is roughly the same size as Seoul. Meanwhile, Philadelphia at 370 km² is about 1.6x smaller than Seoul.
Chicago's footprint is roughly about 85,000 American football fields, 180 times the area of Central Park, or 10 times the area of Manhattan — pick whichever unit feels intuitive. Philadelphia works out to about 52,000 American football fields, 180 times the area of Monaco, or 110 times the area of Central Park.
Chicago is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the third-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 2.74 million at the 2020 census. The Chicago metropolitan area has 9.41 million residents and is the third-largest metropolitan area in the country. Chicago is the seat of Cook County, the second-most populous county in the U.S.
Known as "The Windy City", Chicago covers 606 km² with a population of 2.7 million. The city was established in 1833. Chicago is known for Willis Tower, Millennium Park Bean, Navy Pier, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the CTA (L train).
Chicago is the third-most populous city in the United States with 2.74 million residents at the 2020 census.
Philadelphia, colloquially referred to as Philly, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, and the sixth-most populous city in the United States, with a Census-estimated population of 1,574,281 in July 2025. The Philadelphia metropolitan area has 6.33 million residents and is the nation's ninth-largest metropolitan area. Philadelphia is known for its culture, cuisine, and history, maintaining contemporary influence in business and technology, sports, and music.
Also known as "Philly", Philadelphia has an area of 370 km² and is home to 1.6 million people. Its history stretches back to 1682. Visitors come for Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Philly Cheesesteak, and much more.
Philadelphia is the sixth-most populous US city, with an estimated 1,574,281 residents as of July 2025.
Chicago has a population density of 4,455 people per km² — a moderately dense city. Philadelphia, with 4,324 people per km², is a moderately dense city. Both cities have comparable density, though Chicago is slightly more compact.
History
Philadelphia is ~151 years older
Chicago covers 606 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Seoul (605 km²), Madrid (604 km²), Mumbai (603 km²), Toronto (630 km²), or Hyderabad (650 km²).
Philadelphia covers 370 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Seattle (369 km²), Dhaka (368 km²), Portland (376 km²), Atlanta (348 km²), or Denver (401 km²).
The straight-line distance from Chicago to Philadelphia is 1,068 km (664 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~1h 45m.
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