63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
57
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Boston wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chicago wins 1–3 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Boston — The Verdict
Boston scores 57/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 56% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 8 fewer declarations in 20 years. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 56% lower — a difference of $380,400 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $667/month — that's $8,004 per year.
💵
Households in Boston earn $17,539 more per year (24% higher median income).
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 8 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$684,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,981
Median Income
$71,673
$89,212
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 56% lower than Boston, translating to $380,400 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.8%
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.
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
18
Hurricane Risk
Low
Moderate
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 8 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Boston: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Boston cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $380,400 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,981 in Boston.
Does Chicago or Boston have better weather?
Boston scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Boston better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.8% in Boston. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $89,212 in Boston.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Boston?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 18 in Boston. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Boston.
Should I move from Chicago to Boston?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Boston's 57.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Boston 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.