63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
69
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Baltimore wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Baltimore wins 1–2 overall (69/100)
💰 Baltimore is more affordable
💼 Baltimore has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Baltimore — The Verdict
Baltimore scores 69.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Baltimore has a clear edge with home prices 33% lower. Baltimore may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Baltimore are 33% lower — a difference of $101,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Baltimore saves you $79/month — that's $948 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $13,324 more per year (23% higher median income).
🌬️
Baltimore has cleaner air with an AQI 54 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$202,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,235
Median Income
$71,673
$58,349
The affordability gap is significant — Baltimore offers home prices 33% lower than Chicago, translating to $101,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.2%
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
6 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Baltimore wins on air quality with an AQI 54 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 Baltimore: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Baltimore cheaper to live in?
Baltimore is more affordable overall. Home prices are $101,600 lower in Baltimore. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Baltimore vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Baltimore have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or Baltimore better for finding a job?
Baltimore currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.2% in Baltimore. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $58,349 in Baltimore.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Baltimore?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Baltimore. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Baltimore.
Should I move from Chicago to Baltimore?
Based on our data, Baltimore scores 69.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Baltimore 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.