63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Amarillo wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Amarillo wins 0–3 overall (72/100)
💰 Amarillo is more affordable
💼 Amarillo has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Amarillo — The Verdict
Amarillo scores 72.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Amarillo has a clear edge with home prices 43% lower. Amarillo may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Amarillo are 43% lower — a difference of $131,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Amarillo saves you $317/month — that's $3,804 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $11,045 more per year (18% higher median income).
🌬️
Amarillo has cleaner air with an AQI 25 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$172,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$997
Median Income
$71,673
$60,628
The affordability gap is significant — Amarillo offers home prices 43% lower than Chicago, translating to $131,800 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.3%
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
35 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Amarillo wins on air quality with an AQI 25 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
12
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Amarillo: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Amarillo is more affordable overall. Home prices are $131,800 lower in Amarillo. Monthly rent is $997 in Amarillo vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Amarillo have better weather?
Amarillo scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Amarillo better for finding a job?
Amarillo currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Amarillo. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $60,628 in Amarillo.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Amarillo?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Amarillo. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Amarillo.
Should I move from Chicago to Amarillo?
Based on our data, Amarillo scores 72.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Amarillo is more affordable, while Amarillo has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Amarillo?
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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.