63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
57
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Denver wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chicago wins 1–2 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Denver has lower unemployment
🛡️ Denver has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Denver — The Verdict
Denver scores 57.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 44% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 44% lower — a difference of $235,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $351/month — that's $4,212 per year.
💵
Households in Denver earn $14,180 more per year (20% higher median income).
📊
Denver has a 0.8 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Denver has experienced 4 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$540,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,665
Median Income
$71,673
$85,853
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 44% lower than Denver, translating to $235,900 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.8%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Denver having a slight edge at 3.8% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
61 Moderate
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
6
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Denver: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Denver cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $235,900 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,665 in Denver.
Does Chicago or Denver have better weather?
Denver scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Denver better for finding a job?
Denver currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.8% in Denver. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $85,853 in Denver.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Denver?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Denver is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 6 in Denver. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Denver.
Should I move from Chicago to Denver?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Denver's 57.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Denver 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.