63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
50
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 vs Hayward — The Verdict
It's a close call — Chicago (63/100) and Hayward (50.8/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 61% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 61% lower — a difference of $471,200 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $946/month — that's $11,352 per year.
💵
Households in Hayward earn $33,698 more per year (47% higher median income).
📊
Chicago has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Hayward has cleaner air with an AQI 33 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$775,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$2,260
Median Income
$71,673
$105,371
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 61% lower than Hayward, translating to $471,200 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.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
27 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Hayward 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
10
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Hayward: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $471,200 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $2,260 in Hayward.
Does Chicago or Hayward have better weather?
Hayward scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Hayward better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.5% in Hayward. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $105,371 in Hayward.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Hayward?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Hayward is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Hayward. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Hayward.
Should I move from Chicago to Hayward?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Hayward's 50.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Hayward 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 5, 2026.