63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Jacksonville wins 2–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Jacksonville wins 0–2 overall (71/100)
💰 Jacksonville is more affordable
💼 Jacksonville has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Jacksonville — The Verdict
Jacksonville scores 71.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Jacksonville has a clear edge with home prices 20% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 14 fewer declarations in 20 years. Jacksonville may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Jacksonville are 20% lower — a difference of $61,500 in median home value.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $7,535 more per year (12% higher median income).
🌬️
Jacksonville has cleaner air with an AQI 33 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 14 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$243,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,281
Median Income
$71,673
$64,138
Jacksonville edges out Chicago on housing costs by 20%, a difference of $61,500. 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
27 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Jacksonville 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
24
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 14 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Jacksonville: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Jacksonville cheaper to live in?
Jacksonville is more affordable overall. Home prices are $61,500 lower in Jacksonville. Monthly rent is $1,281 in Jacksonville vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Jacksonville have better weather?
Jacksonville scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Jacksonville better for finding a job?
Jacksonville currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Jacksonville. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $64,138 in Jacksonville.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Jacksonville?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 24 in Jacksonville. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Jacksonville.
Should I move from Chicago to Jacksonville?
Based on our data, Jacksonville scores 71.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Jacksonville is more affordable, while Jacksonville 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.