63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Cary wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Cary wins 1–3 overall (71/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Cary has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Cary — The Verdict
Cary scores 71.5/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 36% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 36% lower — a difference of $172,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $224/month — that's $2,688 per year.
💵
Households in Cary earn $53,644 more per year (75% higher median income).
📊
Cary has a 0.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Cary has cleaner air with an AQI 37 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$477,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,538
Median Income
$71,673
$125,317
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 36% lower than Cary, translating to $172,900 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.9%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Cary having a slight edge at 3.9% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
23 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Cary wins on air quality with an AQI 37 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
12
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Cary: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Cary cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $172,900 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,538 in Cary.
Does Chicago or Cary have better weather?
Cary scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Cary better for finding a job?
Cary currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.9% in Cary. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $125,317 in Cary.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Cary?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Cary. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Cary.
Should I move from Chicago to Cary?
Based on our data, Cary scores 71.5/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Cary has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Cary?
Compare quotes from top-rated moving companies and save up to 40%
Get Free Moving Quotes →
📊 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.