63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
66
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Colorado Springs wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Colorado Springs wins 1–3 overall (66/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Colorado Springs has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Colorado Springs — The Verdict
Colorado Springs scores 66/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 20% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 20% lower — a difference of $78,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $150/month — that's $1,800 per year.
💵
Households in Colorado Springs earn $7,353 more per year (10% higher median income).
📊
Colorado Springs has a 0.8 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Colorado Springs has cleaner air with an AQI 12 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$383,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,464
Median Income
$71,673
$79,026
Chicago edges out Colorado Springs on housing costs by 20%, a difference of $78,500. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.8%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Colorado Springs having a slight edge at 3.8% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
48 Good
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
11
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Colorado Springs: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $78,500 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,464 in Colorado Springs.
Does Chicago or Colorado Springs have better weather?
Colorado Springs scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Colorado Springs better for finding a job?
Colorado Springs currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.8% in Colorado Springs. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $79,026 in Colorado Springs.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Colorado Springs?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Colorado Springs. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Colorado Springs.
Should I move from Chicago to Colorado Springs?
Based on our data, Colorado Springs scores 66.0/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Colorado Springs 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.