63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
49
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 Fullerton — The Verdict
It's a close call — Chicago (63/100) and Fullerton (49.2/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 62% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 10 fewer declarations in 20 years. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 62% lower — a difference of $486,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $675/month — that's $8,100 per year.
💵
Households in Fullerton earn $27,606 more per year (39% higher median income).
📊
Chicago has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 10 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$791,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,989
Median Income
$71,673
$99,279
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 62% lower than Fullerton, translating to $486,500 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.
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
20
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 10 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Fullerton: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $486,500 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,989 in Fullerton.
Does Chicago or Fullerton have better weather?
Fullerton scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Fullerton better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.5% in Fullerton. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $99,279 in Fullerton.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Fullerton?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 20 in Fullerton. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Fullerton.
Should I move from Chicago to Fullerton?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Fullerton's 49.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Fullerton 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.