63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
70
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Garland wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Garland wins 0–3 overall (70/100)
💰 Garland is more affordable
💼 Garland has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Garland — The Verdict
Garland scores 70.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Garland has a clear edge with home prices 25% lower. Garland may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Garland are 25% lower — a difference of $75,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $107/month — that's $1,284 per year.
🌬️
Garland has cleaner air with an AQI 24 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 4 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$229,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,421
Median Income
$71,673
$71,044
The affordability gap is significant — Garland offers home prices 25% lower than Chicago, translating to $75,500 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.3%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
36 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Garland wins on air quality with an AQI 24 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
14
Hurricane Risk
Low
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Garland: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Garland cheaper to live in?
Garland is more affordable overall. Home prices are $75,500 lower in Garland. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,421 in Garland.
Does Chicago or Garland have better weather?
Garland scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Garland better for finding a job?
Garland currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Garland. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $71,044 in Garland.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Garland?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Garland. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Garland.
Should I move from Chicago to Garland?
Based on our data, Garland scores 70.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Garland is more affordable, while Garland has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Garland?
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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.