63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
60
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Lancaster wins 3–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chicago wins 2–3 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Lancaster — The Verdict
Lancaster scores 60.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 17% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 44 fewer declarations in 20 years. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 17% lower — a difference of $64,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $262/month — that's $3,144 per year.
📊
Chicago has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Lancaster has cleaner air with an AQI 48 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 44 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$368,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,576
Median Income
$71,673
$71,367
Chicago edges out Lancaster on housing costs by 17%, a difference of $64,300. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
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
12 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Lancaster wins on air quality with an AQI 48 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
54
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 44 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Lancaster: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $64,300 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,576 in Lancaster.
Does Chicago or Lancaster have better weather?
Lancaster scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Lancaster better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.5% in Lancaster. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $71,367 in Lancaster.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Lancaster?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 54 in Lancaster. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Lancaster.
Should I move from Chicago to Lancaster?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Lancaster's 60.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Lancaster 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.