63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
65
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Dallas wins 1–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Dallas wins 0–1 overall (65/100)
💰 Dallas is more affordable
💼 Dallas has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Dallas — The Verdict
Dallas scores 65.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 1 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Dallas has a clear edge with home prices 11% lower.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Dallas are 11% lower — a difference of $33,800 in median home value.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $7,688 more per year (12% higher median income).
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 4 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$270,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,305
Median Income
$71,673
$63,985
Dallas edges out Chicago on housing costs by 11%, a difference of $33,800. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
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.
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
14
Hurricane Risk
Low
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Dallas: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Dallas cheaper to live in?
Dallas is more affordable overall. Home prices are $33,800 lower in Dallas. Monthly rent is $1,305 in Dallas vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Dallas have better weather?
Dallas scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Dallas better for finding a job?
Dallas currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Dallas. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $63,985 in Dallas.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Dallas?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Dallas. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Dallas.
Should I move from Chicago to Dallas?
Based on our data, Dallas scores 65.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Dallas is more affordable, while Dallas 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.