63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
62
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
💼 Fort Collins has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Fort Collins — The Verdict
It's a close call — Chicago (63/100) and Fort Collins (62/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 39% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 39% lower — a difference of $192,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $262/month — that's $3,144 per year.
💵
Households in Fort Collins earn $7,304 more per year (10% higher median income).
📊
Fort Collins has a 0.8 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 4 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$497,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,576
Median Income
$71,673
$78,977
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 39% lower than Fort Collins, translating to $192,900 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 Fort Collins having a slight edge at 3.8% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
61 Good
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
14
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Fort Collins: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $192,900 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,576 in Fort Collins.
Does Chicago or Fort Collins have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or Fort Collins better for finding a job?
Fort Collins currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.8% in Fort Collins. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $78,977 in Fort Collins.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Fort Collins?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Fort Collins. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Fort Collins.
Should I move from Chicago to Fort Collins?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Fort Collins's 62.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Chicago 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.