63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
67
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Gilbert wins 4–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Gilbert wins 1–4 overall (67/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Gilbert has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Gilbert — The Verdict
Gilbert scores 67.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 33% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 33% lower — a difference of $149,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $525/month — that's $6,300 per year.
💵
Households in Gilbert earn $43,506 more per year (61% higher median income).
🌬️
Gilbert has cleaner air with an AQI 33 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$454,300
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,839
Median Income
$71,673
$115,179
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 33% lower than Gilbert, translating to $149,800 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
27 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Gilbert 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.
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
11
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Gilbert: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $149,800 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,839 in Gilbert.
Does Chicago or Gilbert have better weather?
Gilbert scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Gilbert better for finding a job?
Gilbert currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Gilbert. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $115,179 in Gilbert.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Gilbert?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Gilbert. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Gilbert.
Should I move from Chicago to Gilbert?
Based on our data, Gilbert scores 67.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Gilbert 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.