63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Brownsville wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Brownsville wins 1–2 overall (72/100)
💰 Brownsville is more affordable
💼 Brownsville has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Brownsville — The Verdict
Brownsville scores 72.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Brownsville has a clear edge with home prices 63% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 9 fewer declarations in 20 years. Brownsville may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Brownsville are 63% lower — a difference of $191,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Brownsville saves you $442/month — that's $5,304 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $24,938 more per year (53% higher median income).
🌬️
Brownsville has cleaner air with an AQI 29 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 9 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$112,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$872
Median Income
$71,673
$46,735
The affordability gap is significant — Brownsville offers home prices 63% lower than Chicago, translating to $191,900 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.3%
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
31 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Brownsville wins on air quality with an AQI 29 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
19
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 9 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Brownsville: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Brownsville is more affordable overall. Home prices are $191,900 lower in Brownsville. Monthly rent is $872 in Brownsville vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Brownsville have better weather?
Brownsville scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Brownsville better for finding a job?
Brownsville currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Brownsville. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $46,735 in Brownsville.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Brownsville?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 19 in Brownsville. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Brownsville.
Should I move from Chicago to Brownsville?
Based on our data, Brownsville scores 72.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Brownsville is more affordable, while Brownsville 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.