63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
65
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Lakewood wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Lakewood wins 1–3 overall (65/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Lakewood has lower unemployment
🛡️ Lakewood has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Lakewood — The Verdict
Lakewood scores 65/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 38% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 38% lower — a difference of $189,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $351/month — that's $4,212 per year.
💵
Households in Lakewood earn $11,113 more per year (16% higher median income).
📊
Lakewood has a 0.8 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$494,100
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,665
Median Income
$71,673
$82,786
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 38% lower than Lakewood, translating to $189,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.8%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Lakewood having a slight edge at 3.8% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
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
9
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Lakewood: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $189,600 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,665 in Lakewood.
Does Chicago or Lakewood have better weather?
Lakewood scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Lakewood better for finding a job?
Lakewood currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.8% in Lakewood. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $82,786 in Lakewood.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Lakewood?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Lakewood is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Lakewood. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Lakewood.
Should I move from Chicago to Lakewood?
Based on our data, Lakewood scores 65.0/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Lakewood has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Lakewood?
Compare quotes from top-rated moving companies and save up to 40%
Get Free Moving Quotes →
📊 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.