63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
55
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Bellevue wins 3–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chicago wins 2–3 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Bellevue — The Verdict
Bellevue scores 55.5/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 73% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 73% lower — a difference of $835,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $1,108/month — that's $13,296 per year.
💵
Households in Bellevue earn $77,878 more per year (109% higher median income).
🌬️
Bellevue has cleaner air with an AQI 30 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 4 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$1,139,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$2,422
Median Income
$71,673
$149,551
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 73% lower than Bellevue, translating to $835,000 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.7%
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
30 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Bellevue wins on air quality with an AQI 30 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
14
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Bellevue: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $835,000 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $2,422 in Bellevue.
Does Chicago or Bellevue have better weather?
Bellevue scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Bellevue better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.7% in Bellevue. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $149,551 in Bellevue.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Bellevue?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Bellevue. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Bellevue.
Should I move from Chicago to Bellevue?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Bellevue's 55.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Bellevue 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 5, 2026.