63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
74
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
El Paso wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
El Paso wins 0–3 overall (74/100)
💰 El Paso is more affordable
💼 El Paso has lower unemployment
🛡️ El Paso has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs El Paso — The Verdict
El Paso scores 74.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, El Paso has a clear edge with home prices 48% lower. El Paso may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in El Paso are 48% lower — a difference of $145,200 in median home value.
💰
Renting in El Paso saves you $338/month — that's $4,056 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $15,963 more per year (29% higher median income).
🌬️
El Paso has cleaner air with an AQI 38 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$159,300
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$976
Median Income
$71,673
$55,710
The affordability gap is significant — El Paso offers home prices 48% lower than Chicago, translating to $145,200 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
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.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
22 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
El Paso 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
9
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to El Paso: Common Questions
Is Chicago or El Paso cheaper to live in?
El Paso is more affordable overall. Home prices are $145,200 lower in El Paso. Monthly rent is $976 in El Paso vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or El Paso have better weather?
El Paso scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or El Paso better for finding a job?
El Paso currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in El Paso. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $55,710 in El Paso.
Which city is safer — Chicago or El Paso?
In terms of natural disaster risk, El Paso is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in El Paso. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for El Paso.
Should I move from Chicago to El Paso?
Based on our data, El Paso scores 74.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — El Paso is more affordable, while El Paso 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.