63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
64
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Bakersfield wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Bakersfield wins 1–2 overall (64/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Bakersfield — The Verdict
Bakersfield scores 64/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Chicago edges out with slightly lower home prices. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 12 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
📊
Chicago has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Bakersfield has cleaner air with an AQI 41 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 12 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$320,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,283
Median Income
$71,673
$73,827
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 5% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
5.5%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Chicago having a slight edge at 4.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
19 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Bakersfield wins on air quality with an AQI 41 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
22
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 12 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Bakersfield: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $16,100 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,283 in Bakersfield vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Bakersfield have better weather?
Bakersfield scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Bakersfield better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.5% in Bakersfield. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $73,827 in Bakersfield.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Bakersfield?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 22 in Bakersfield. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Bakersfield.
Should I move from Chicago to Bakersfield?
Based on our data, Bakersfield scores 64.0/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Bakersfield is more affordable, while Bakersfield 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.