63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Durham wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Durham wins 0–3 overall (71/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Durham has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Durham — The Verdict
Durham scores 71.8/100 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
📊
Durham has a 0.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Durham has cleaner air with an AQI 38 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$316,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,296
Median Income
$71,673
$74,710
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 4% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.9%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Durham having a slight edge at 3.9% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
22 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Durham wins on air quality with an AQI 38 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
12
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Durham: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Durham cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $12,100 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,296 in Durham vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Durham have better weather?
Durham scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Durham better for finding a job?
Durham currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.9% in Durham. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $74,710 in Durham.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Durham?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Durham. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Durham.
Should I move from Chicago to Durham?
Based on our data, Durham scores 71.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Durham is more affordable, while Durham has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Durham?
Compare quotes from top-rated moving companies and save up to 40%
Get Free Moving Quotes →
📊 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.