63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
67
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Madison wins 2–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Madison wins 0–2 overall (67/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Madison has lower unemployment
🛡️ Madison has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Madison — The Verdict
Madison scores 67.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Chicago edges out with slightly lower home prices. Madison has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.1%. Madison may be the better fit for job seekers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 7% lower — a difference of $22,100 in median home value.
📊
Madison has a 1.5 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Madison has experienced 3 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$326,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,291
Median Income
$71,673
$74,895
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 7% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.1%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Madison having a slight edge at 3.1% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
65 Moderate
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
7
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Madison: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Madison cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $22,100 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,291 in Madison vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Madison have better weather?
Madison scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Madison better for finding a job?
Madison currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.1% in Madison. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $74,895 in Madison.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Madison?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Madison is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 7 in Madison. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Madison.
Should I move from Chicago to Madison?
Based on our data, Madison scores 67.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Madison is more affordable, while Madison has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Madison?
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 5, 2026.