63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Chicago wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Neither wins 2–1 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
📋 Chicago vs Fresno — The Verdict
Chicago scores 63/100 compared to Fresno's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Chicago edges out with slightly lower home prices.
💡 Key Differences
💰
Renting in Fresno saves you $87/month — that's $1,044 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $8,672 more per year (14% higher median income).
📊
Chicago has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Fresno has cleaner air with an AQI 48 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$321,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,227
Median Income
$71,673
$63,001
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 5% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
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
12 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Fresno wins on air quality with an AQI 48 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
10
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Fresno: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Fresno cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $17,300 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,227 in Fresno vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Fresno have better weather?
Fresno scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Fresno better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.5% in Fresno. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $63,001 in Fresno.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Fresno?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Fresno is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Fresno. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Fresno.
Should I move from Chicago to Fresno?
Based on our data, Fresno scores 63.0/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Fresno is more affordable, while Fresno 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.