Chicago
606 km²
Rome
1,285 km²
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.
In more relatable units, Chicago's 606 km² is about 85,000 American football fields, 180 times the area of Central Park, or 10 times the area of Manhattan. Rome, by comparison, equals about 180,000 American football fields, 22 times the area of Manhattan, or 12 times the area of Paris.
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.
Rome is the capital city and most populated comune (municipality) of Italy. It is also the administrative centre of the Lazio region and of the Metropolitan City of Rome. A special comune named Roma Capitale with a population of 2.7 million in an area of 1,287.36 km2 (497.1 mi2), Rome is the third most populous city in the European Union by population within city limits. The Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, with a population of 4.2 million, is the most populous metropolitan city in Italy.
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's special comune Roma Capitale spans 1,287 km2, making it the third most populous city in the EU within city limits
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
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).
Rome covers 1,285 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Los Angeles (1,302 km²), Phoenix (1,341 km²), Rio de Janeiro (1,221 km²), San Antonio (1,209 km²), or Lagos (1,172 km²).
The straight-line distance from Chicago to Rome is 7,740 km (4,810 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~9h 36m.
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