Chicago
Illinois
Pop. 2,721,914
VS
Denton
Texas
Pop. 142,262

Full comparison across 7 data categories from U.S. government sources

63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
66
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Denton wins 2–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
⚡ TL;DR
Denton wins 0–2 overall (66/100)
💰 Denton is more affordable
💼 Denton has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters

📋 Chicago vs Denton — The Verdict

Denton scores 66/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are nearly identical between the two cities.

💡 Key Differences
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 3 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
💰 Chicago vs Denton: Cost of Living Comparison
65
vs
65
Median Home Value
$304,500
$296,100
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,264
Median Income
$71,673
$71,921
Electricity ¢/kWh
¢
¢
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 3% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
💼 Chicago vs Denton: Job Market & Salaries
55
vs
55
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.3%
Job Growth YoY
%
%
Labor Force
N/A
N/A
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.
🌡️ Chicago vs Denton: Weather & Climate
50
vs
50
Summer High
°F
°F
Winter Low
°F
°F
Sunny Days /yr
Annual Rain
"
"
Annual Snow
"
"
📊 See Full City Rankings →
🌿 Chicago vs Denton: Air Quality & Environment
70
vs
85
Air Quality (AQI)
60
0
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Water Violations
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
🌐 Chicago vs Denton: Internet & Infrastructure
50
vs
50
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
ISP Providers
0
0
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.
⚠️ Chicago vs Denton: Natural Disaster Risk
95
vs
95
Disasters (20 years)
10
13
Flood Zone
None
None
Earthquake Risk
Low
Low
Hurricane Risk
Low
Low
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.

❓ Moving from Chicago to Denton: Common Questions

Is Chicago or Denton cheaper to live in?
Denton is more affordable overall. Home prices are $8,400 lower in Denton. Monthly rent is $1,264 in Denton vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Denton have better weather?
Denton scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Denton better for finding a job?
Denton currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Denton. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $71,921 in Denton.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Denton?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 13 in Denton. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Denton.
Should I move from Chicago to Denton?
Based on our data, Denton scores 66.0/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Denton is more affordable, while Denton 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 5, 2026.