63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
77
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Fort Wayne wins 4–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Fort Wayne wins 0–4 overall (77/100)
💰 Fort Wayne is more affordable
💼 Fort Wayne has lower unemployment
🛡️ Fort Wayne has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Fort Wayne — The Verdict
Fort Wayne scores 77.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Fort Wayne has a clear edge with home prices 50% lower. Fort Wayne has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.5%. Fort Wayne may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Fort Wayne are 50% lower — a difference of $152,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Fort Wayne saves you $410/month — that's $4,920 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $13,440 more per year (23% higher median income).
📊
Fort Wayne has a 1.1 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Fort Wayne has cleaner air with an AQI 47 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$152,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$904
Median Income
$71,673
$58,233
The affordability gap is significant — Fort Wayne offers home prices 50% lower than Chicago, translating to $152,000 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.5%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Fort Wayne having a slight edge at 3.5% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
13 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Fort Wayne wins on air quality with an AQI 47 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
8
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Fort Wayne: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Fort Wayne cheaper to live in?
Fort Wayne is more affordable overall. Home prices are $152,000 lower in Fort Wayne. Monthly rent is $904 in Fort Wayne vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Fort Wayne have better weather?
Fort Wayne scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Fort Wayne better for finding a job?
Fort Wayne currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.5% in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $58,233 in Fort Wayne.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Fort Wayne?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Fort Wayne is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 8 in Fort Wayne. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Fort Wayne.
Should I move from Chicago to Fort Wayne?
Based on our data, Fort Wayne scores 77.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Fort Wayne is more affordable, while Fort Wayne has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Fort Wayne?
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.