63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
74
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Akron wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Akron wins 1–2 overall (74/100)
💰 Akron is more affordable
💼 Akron has lower unemployment
🛡️ Akron has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Akron — The Verdict
Akron scores 74.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Akron has a clear edge with home prices 67% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Akron has a notably lower disaster history with 6 fewer declarations in 20 years. Akron may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Akron are 67% lower — a difference of $204,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Akron saves you $427/month — that's $5,124 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $25,077 more per year (54% higher median income).
🌬️
Akron has cleaner air with an AQI 51 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Akron has experienced 6 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$99,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$887
Median Income
$71,673
$46,596
The affordability gap is significant — Akron offers home prices 67% lower than Chicago, translating to $204,800 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.5%
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)
60
9 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Akron wins on air quality with an AQI 51 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
4
Akron has a markedly lower disaster history — 6 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Akron: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Akron cheaper to live in?
Akron is more affordable overall. Home prices are $204,800 lower in Akron. Monthly rent is $887 in Akron vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Akron have better weather?
Akron scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Akron better for finding a job?
Akron currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.5% in Akron. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $46,596 in Akron.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Akron?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Akron is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 4 in Akron. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Akron.
Should I move from Chicago to Akron?
Based on our data, Akron scores 74.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Akron is more affordable, while Akron has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Akron?
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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.