63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
74
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Albuquerque wins 4–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Albuquerque wins 0–4 overall (74/100)
💰 Albuquerque is more affordable
💼 Albuquerque has lower unemployment
🛡️ Albuquerque has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Albuquerque — The Verdict
Albuquerque scores 74.5/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Albuquerque has a clear edge with home prices 19% lower. Albuquerque may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Albuquerque are 19% lower — a difference of $58,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Albuquerque saves you $300/month — that's $3,600 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $10,170 more per year (17% higher median income).
🌬️
Albuquerque has cleaner air with an AQI 54 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Albuquerque has experienced 4 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$246,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,014
Median Income
$71,673
$61,503
Albuquerque edges out Chicago on housing costs by 19%, a difference of $58,500. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.3%
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
6 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Albuquerque wins on air quality with an AQI 54 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
6
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Albuquerque: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?
Albuquerque is more affordable overall. Home prices are $58,500 lower in Albuquerque. Monthly rent is $1,014 in Albuquerque vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Albuquerque have better weather?
Albuquerque scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Albuquerque better for finding a job?
Albuquerque currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Albuquerque. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $61,503 in Albuquerque.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Albuquerque?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Albuquerque is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 6 in Albuquerque. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Albuquerque.
Should I move from Chicago to Albuquerque?
Based on our data, Albuquerque scores 74.5/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Albuquerque is more affordable, while Albuquerque 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.