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USA
Italy
Area Comparison
Chicago is 2.1x smaller than Rome
Population Comparison
Chicago has 1.1x fewer people than Rome
Yes — Rome is 2.1x larger than Chicago by area. Rome spans 1,285 km² (496 mi²) while Chicago covers 606 km² (234 mi²) — a difference of 679 km². You could fit Chicago inside Rome approximately 2 times.
To put Chicago's size in perspective, its area of 606 km² is roughly the same size as Seoul. Meanwhile, Rome at 1,285 km² is about 1.2x smaller than London.
Third-largest city in the United States. 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 Deep-dish pizza, Willis Tower, Millennium Park & Cloud Gate, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the CTA (L train).
Chicago reversed the flow of the Chicago River in 1900, an engineering feat that still stands
Italy's capital and a city of ancient history. Nicknamed "The Eternal City", Rome has an area of 1,285 km² and is home to 2.9 million people. Its history stretches back to 753 BC. Visitors come for Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Rome Metro.
Rome contains an entire independent country within its borders — Vatican City, the world's smallest state
Looking beyond city limits, the Chicago metropolitan area covers 28,160 km², which is 5.3x larger than greater Rome at 5,352 km². The Chicago metro area is also more populous, with 9.5 million people compared to 4.3 million.
Chicago has a population density of 4,455 people per km² — a moderately dense city. Rome, with 2,233 people per km², is a moderately dense city. Chicago is noticeably denser, packing 2.0 times more people per square kilometer.
This comparison spans continents — Chicago in North America versus Rome in Europe. Despite the geographic distance, comparing their sizes reveals surprising insights about how cities grow worldwide.
Chicago has a humid continental climate while Rome experiences Mediterranean conditions. When it's noon in Rome, it's 5:00 AM in Chicago — a 7-hour time difference.
Size Ratio
Chicago fits inside Rome ~2 times
Density Gap
Chicago is 2.0x more densely populated
Time Difference
7 hours apart
History
Rome is ~2,586 years older
The straight-line distance from Chicago to Rome is 7,740 km (4,810 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~9h 36m. See full distance details, including timezone difference and city facts.
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