63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
68
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Aurora wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Aurora wins 0–3 overall (68/100)
💰 Aurora is more affordable
💼 Aurora has lower unemployment
🛡️ Aurora has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Aurora — The Verdict
Aurora scores 68.5/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Aurora has a clear edge with home prices 21% lower. Aurora may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Aurora are 21% lower — a difference of $62,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $148/month — that's $1,776 per year.
💵
Households in Aurora earn $14,270 more per year (20% higher median income).
🛡️
Aurora has experienced 4 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$241,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,462
Median Income
$71,673
$85,943
The affordability gap is significant — Aurora offers home prices 21% lower than Chicago, translating to $62,900 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.6%
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
69 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?
Aurora is more affordable overall. Home prices are $62,900 lower in Aurora. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,462 in Aurora.
Does Chicago or Aurora have better weather?
Aurora scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Aurora better for finding a job?
Aurora currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.6% in Aurora. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $85,943 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, Aurora scores 68.5/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Aurora is more affordable, while Aurora 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.