63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
66
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Atlanta wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Atlanta wins 1–3 overall (66/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Atlanta has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Atlanta — The Verdict
Atlanta scores 66.5/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 23% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 23% lower — a difference of $91,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $198/month — that's $2,376 per year.
💵
Households in Atlanta earn $5,982 more per year (8% higher median income).
📊
Atlanta has a 1.0 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Atlanta has cleaner air with an AQI 21 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$395,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,512
Median Income
$71,673
$77,655
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 23% lower than Atlanta, translating to $91,100 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 Atlanta having a slight edge at 3.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
39 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Atlanta wins on air quality with an AQI 21 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 Atlanta: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Atlanta cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $91,100 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,512 in Atlanta.
Does Chicago or Atlanta have better weather?
Atlanta scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Atlanta better for finding a job?
Atlanta currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.6% in Atlanta. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $77,655 in Atlanta.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Atlanta?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Atlanta. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Atlanta.
Should I move from Chicago to Atlanta?
Based on our data, Atlanta scores 66.5/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Atlanta 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.