63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Laredo wins 2–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Laredo wins 0–2 overall (72/100)
💰 Laredo is more affordable
💼 Laredo has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Laredo — The Verdict
Laredo scores 72.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Laredo has a clear edge with home prices 46% lower. Laredo may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Laredo are 46% lower — a difference of $140,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Laredo saves you $346/month — that's $4,152 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $10,745 more per year (18% higher median income).
🌬️
Laredo has cleaner air with an AQI 27 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
$164,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$968
Median Income
$71,673
$60,928
The affordability gap is significant — Laredo offers home prices 46% lower than Chicago, translating to $140,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
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
33 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Laredo wins on air quality with an AQI 27 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
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Laredo: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Laredo cheaper to live in?
Laredo is more affordable overall. Home prices are $140,100 lower in Laredo. Monthly rent is $968 in Laredo vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Laredo have better weather?
Laredo scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Laredo better for finding a job?
Laredo currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Laredo. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $60,928 in Laredo.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Laredo?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Laredo. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Laredo.
Should I move from Chicago to Laredo?
Based on our data, Laredo scores 72.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Laredo is more affordable, while Laredo has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Laredo?
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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.