65
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Austin wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Austin wins 3–1 overall (65/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Austin has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Austin vs Chicago — The Verdict
Austin scores 65.5/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 34% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 34% lower — a difference of $157,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $235/month — that's $2,820 per year.
💵
Households in Austin earn $14,883 more per year (21% higher median income).
🌬️
Austin has cleaner air with an AQI 32 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$461,500
$304,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,549
$1,314
Median Income
$86,556
$71,673
Electricity ¢/kWh
12.30¢
¢
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 34% lower than Austin, translating to $157,000 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.6%
Top Jobs — Austin
Software Developer
$125,430
Registered Nurse
$78,340
Project Manager
$98,760
Accountant
$72,150
Marketing Manager
$105,200
Top Jobs — Chicago
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
28 Good
60
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
3
0
Austin wins on air quality with an AQI 32 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
2,000 Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
✅ Yes
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
5.46
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
12
10
Hurricane Risk
Moderate
Low
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Austin to Chicago: Common Questions
Is Austin or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $157,000 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,549 in Austin.
Does Austin or Chicago have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Austin or Chicago better for finding a job?
Austin currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Austin vs 4.6% in Chicago. Median household income is $86,556 in Austin and $71,673 in Chicago.
Which city is safer — Austin or Chicago?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Austin has had 12 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Chicago. Austin scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Chicago.
Should I move from Austin to Chicago?
Based on our data, Austin scores 65.5/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Chicago has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.