63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
51
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 Huntington Beach — The Verdict
It's a close call — Chicago (63/100) and Huntington Beach (51.5/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 69% 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 69% lower — a difference of $672,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $1,004/month — that's $12,048 per year.
💵
Households in Huntington Beach earn $43,074 more per year (60% higher median income).
📊
Chicago has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Huntington Beach has cleaner air with an AQI 56 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 10 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$976,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$2,318
Median Income
$71,673
$114,747
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 69% lower than Huntington Beach, translating to $672,300 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
4 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Huntington Beach wins on air quality with an AQI 56 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
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 Huntington Beach: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $672,300 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $2,318 in Huntington Beach.
Does Chicago or Huntington Beach have better weather?
Huntington Beach scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Huntington Beach better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.5% in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $114,747 in Huntington Beach.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Huntington Beach?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 20 in Huntington Beach. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Huntington Beach.
Should I move from Chicago to Huntington Beach?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Huntington Beach's 51.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Huntington Beach 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.