63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
65
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Arlington wins 2–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Arlington wins 0–2 overall (65/100)
💰 Arlington is more affordable
💼 Arlington has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Arlington — The Verdict
Arlington scores 65.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Arlington has a clear edge with home prices 17% lower. Arlington may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Arlington are 17% lower — a difference of $53,200 in median home value.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 4 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$251,300
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,297
Median Income
$71,673
$71,736
Arlington edges out Chicago on housing costs by 17%, a difference of $53,200. 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.
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
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
14
Hurricane Risk
Low
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Arlington: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Arlington is more affordable overall. Home prices are $53,200 lower in Arlington. Monthly rent is $1,297 in Arlington vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Arlington have better weather?
Arlington scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Arlington better for finding a job?
Arlington currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Arlington. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $71,736 in Arlington.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Arlington?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Arlington. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Arlington.
Should I move from Chicago to Arlington?
Based on our data, Arlington scores 65.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Arlington is more affordable, while Arlington 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.