63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
67
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Glendale wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Glendale wins 0–3 overall (67/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Glendale has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Glendale — The Verdict
Glendale scores 67/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are nearly identical between the two cities.
💡 Key Differences
💵
Households in Chicago earn $5,298 more per year (8% higher median income).
🌬️
Glendale has cleaner air with an AQI 22 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$310,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,268
Median Income
$71,673
$66,375
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 2% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
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
38 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Glendale wins on air quality with an AQI 22 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 Glendale: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $5,500 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,268 in Glendale vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Glendale have better weather?
Glendale scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Glendale better for finding a job?
Glendale currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Glendale. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $66,375 in Glendale.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Glendale?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Glendale. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Glendale.
Should I move from Chicago to Glendale?
Based on our data, Glendale scores 67.0/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Glendale is more affordable, while Glendale has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Glendale?
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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 5, 2026.