Chicago
Illinois
Pop. 2,721,914
VS
Fremont
California
Pop. 228,795

Full comparison across 7 data categories from U.S. government sources

63
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
50
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Chicago wins 3–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
⚡ TL;DR
Chicago wins 3–2 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment

📋 Chicago vs Fremont — The Verdict

Chicago scores 63/100 compared to Fremont's 50.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 75% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.

💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 75% lower — a difference of $927,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $1,510/month — that's $18,120 per year.
💵
Households in Fremont earn $97,350 more per year (136% higher median income).
📊
Chicago has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Fremont has cleaner air with an AQI 33 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
💰 Chicago vs Fremont: Cost of Living Comparison
65
vs
0
Median Home Value
$304,500
$1,231,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$2,824
Median Income
$71,673
$169,023
Electricity ¢/kWh
¢
¢
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 75% lower than Fremont, translating to $927,000 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
💼 Chicago vs Fremont: Job Market & Salaries
55
vs
50
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
5.5%
Job Growth YoY
%
%
Labor Force
N/A
N/A
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Chicago having a slight edge at 4.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
🌡️ Chicago vs Fremont: Weather & Climate
50
vs
40
Summer High
°F
7.7°F
Winter Low
°F
4.3°F
Sunny Days /yr
Annual Rain
"
0.2"
Annual Snow
"
0.0"
📊 See Full City Rankings →
🌿 Chicago vs Fremont: Air Quality & Environment
70
vs
100
Air Quality (AQI)
60
27 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Water Violations
0
0
Fremont wins on air quality with an AQI 33 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
🌐 Chicago vs Fremont: Internet & Infrastructure
50
vs
50
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
ISP Providers
0
0
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.
⚠️ Chicago vs Fremont: Natural Disaster Risk
95
vs
95
Disasters (20 years)
10
10
Flood Zone
None
None
Earthquake Risk
Low
Low
Hurricane Risk
Low
Low
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.

❓ Moving from Chicago to Fremont: Common Questions

Is Chicago or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $927,000 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $2,824 in Fremont.
Does Chicago or Fremont have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or Fremont better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.5% in Fremont. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $169,023 in Fremont.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Fremont?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Fremont is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Fremont. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Fremont.
Should I move from Chicago to Fremont?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Fremont's 50.5/100 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.