63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
64
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Charleston wins 3–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Charleston wins 2–3 overall (64/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Charleston — The Verdict
Charleston scores 64.5/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 31% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 9 fewer declarations in 20 years. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 31% lower — a difference of $134,400 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $203/month — that's $2,436 per year.
💵
Households in Charleston earn $12,218 more per year (17% higher median income).
🌬️
Charleston has cleaner air with an AQI 32 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
$438,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,517
Median Income
$71,673
$83,891
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 31% lower than Charleston, translating to $134,400 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.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
28 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Charleston wins on air quality with an AQI 32 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 Charleston: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $134,400 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,517 in Charleston.
Does Chicago or Charleston have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or Charleston better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.8% in Charleston. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $83,891 in Charleston.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Charleston?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 19 in Charleston. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Charleston.
Should I move from Chicago to Charleston?
Based on our data, Charleston scores 64.5/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Chicago has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Charleston?
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 5, 2026.