63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
64
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Alexandria wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Alexandria wins 1–3 overall (64/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Alexandria has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Alexandria — The Verdict
Alexandria scores 64.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 54% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 54% lower — a difference of $351,200 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $669/month — that's $8,028 per year.
💵
Households in Alexandria earn $41,506 more per year (58% higher median income).
📊
Alexandria has a 1.0 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Alexandria has cleaner air with an AQI 55 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$655,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,983
Median Income
$71,673
$113,179
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 54% lower than Alexandria, translating to $351,200 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Alexandria having a slight edge at 3.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
5 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Alexandria wins on air quality with an AQI 55 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
11
Hurricane Risk
Low
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Alexandria: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $351,200 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,983 in Alexandria.
Does Chicago or Alexandria have better weather?
Alexandria scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Alexandria better for finding a job?
Alexandria currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.6% in Alexandria. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $113,179 in Alexandria.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Alexandria?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Alexandria. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Alexandria.
Should I move from Chicago to Alexandria?
Based on our data, Alexandria scores 64.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Alexandria has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Alexandria?
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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.