63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
59
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Arlington wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chicago wins 1–3 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Arlington has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Arlington — The Verdict
Arlington scores 59/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 63% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 63% lower — a difference of $528,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $913/month — that's $10,956 per year.
💵
Households in Arlington earn $65,714 more per year (92% higher median income).
📊
Arlington has a 1.0 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Arlington has cleaner air with an AQI 55 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$833,300
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$2,227
Median Income
$71,673
$137,387
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 63% lower than Arlington, translating to $528,800 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Arlington 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
Arlington 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 Arlington: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $528,800 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $2,227 in Arlington.
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 3.6% in Arlington. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $137,387 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 11 in Arlington. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Arlington.
Should I move from Chicago to Arlington?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Arlington's 59.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago 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.