63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
55
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chicago wins 2–2 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Fontana — The Verdict
It's a close call — Chicago (63/100) and Fontana (55/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 40% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 19 fewer declarations in 20 years. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 40% lower — a difference of $202,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $302/month — that's $3,624 per year.
💵
Households in Fontana earn $21,557 more per year (30% higher median income).
📊
Chicago has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Fontana has cleaner air with an AQI 55 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 19 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$506,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,616
Median Income
$71,673
$93,230
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 40% lower than Fontana, translating to $202,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
5.5%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Chicago having a slight edge at 4.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
5 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Fontana wins on air quality with an AQI 55 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
29
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 19 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Fontana: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $202,100 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,616 in Fontana.
Does Chicago or Fontana have better weather?
Fontana scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Fontana better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.5% in Fontana. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $93,230 in Fontana.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Fontana?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 29 in Fontana. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Fontana.
Should I move from Chicago to Fontana?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Fontana's 55.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Fontana 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.