63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
60
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chicago wins 2–2 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Aurora has lower unemployment
🛡️ Aurora has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Aurora — The Verdict
It's a close call — Chicago (63/100) and Aurora (60/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 26% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 26% lower — a difference of $105,200 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $337/month — that's $4,044 per year.
💵
Households in Aurora earn $7,012 more per year (10% higher median income).
📊
Aurora has a 0.8 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Aurora has experienced 4 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$409,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,651
Median Income
$71,673
$78,685
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 26% lower than Aurora, translating to $105,200 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.8%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Aurora having a slight edge at 3.8% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
61 Moderate
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
6
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Aurora: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $105,200 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,651 in Aurora.
Does Chicago or Aurora have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or Aurora better for finding a job?
Aurora currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.8% in Aurora. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $78,685 in Aurora.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Aurora?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Aurora is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 6 in Aurora. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Aurora.
Should I move from Chicago to Aurora?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Aurora's 60.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Chicago 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.