63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
66
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Irving wins 2–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Irving wins 0–2 overall (66/100)
💰 Irving is more affordable
💼 Irving has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Irving — The Verdict
Irving scores 66.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Irving has a clear edge with home prices 15% lower.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Irving are 15% lower — a difference of $45,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $109/month — that's $1,308 per year.
💵
Households in Irving earn $5,013 more per year (7% higher median income).
🌬️
Irving 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
$259,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,423
Median Income
$71,673
$76,686
Irving edges out Chicago on housing costs by 15%, a difference of $45,000. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
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
Irving 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 Irving: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Irving cheaper to live in?
Irving is more affordable overall. Home prices are $45,000 lower in Irving. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,423 in Irving.
Does Chicago or Irving have better weather?
Irving scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Irving better for finding a job?
Irving currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Irving. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $76,686 in Irving.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Irving?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Irving. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Irving.
Should I move from Chicago to Irving?
Based on our data, Irving scores 66.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Irving is more affordable, while Irving 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.