63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Chesapeake wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chesapeake wins 0–3 overall (72/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chesapeake has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chesapeake has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Chesapeake — The Verdict
Chesapeake scores 72.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Chicago edges out with slightly lower home prices.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 10% lower — a difference of $35,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $132/month — that's $1,584 per year.
💵
Households in Chesapeake earn $21,030 more per year (29% higher median income).
📊
Chesapeake has a 1.0 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Chesapeake has cleaner air with an AQI 37 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$339,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,446
Median Income
$71,673
$92,703
Chicago edges out Chesapeake on housing costs by 10%, a difference of $35,000. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Chesapeake having a slight edge at 3.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
23 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Chesapeake 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
9
Hurricane Risk
Low
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Chesapeake: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $35,000 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,446 in Chesapeake.
Does Chicago or Chesapeake have better weather?
Chesapeake scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Chesapeake better for finding a job?
Chesapeake currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.6% in Chesapeake. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $92,703 in Chesapeake.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Chesapeake?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chesapeake is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Chesapeake. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Chesapeake.
Should I move from Chicago to Chesapeake?
Based on our data, Chesapeake scores 72.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chesapeake is more affordable, while Chesapeake has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Chesapeake?
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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.