63
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
55
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Chicago wins 4–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chicago wins 4–2 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Las Vegas has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Las Vegas — The Verdict
Chicago scores 63/100 compared to Las Vegas's 55.2/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 17% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Las Vegas has a notably lower disaster history with 6 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 $60,800 in median home value.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $5,317 more per year (8% higher median income).
📊
Chicago has a 0.6 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Las Vegas has cleaner air with an AQI 29 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Las Vegas has experienced 6 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$365,300
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,356
Median Income
$71,673
$66,356
Chicago edges out Las Vegas on housing costs by 17%, a difference of $60,800. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
5.2%
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
31 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Las Vegas wins on air quality with an AQI 29 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
4
Las Vegas has a markedly lower disaster history — 6 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Las Vegas: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Las Vegas cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $60,800 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,356 in Las Vegas.
Does Chicago or Las Vegas have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or Las Vegas better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.2% in Las Vegas. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $66,356 in Las Vegas.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Las Vegas?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Las Vegas is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 4 in Las Vegas. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 75/100 for Las Vegas.
Should I move from Chicago to Las Vegas?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Las Vegas's 55.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Chicago 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.