63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
70
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
McAllen wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
McAllen wins 1–2 overall (70/100)
💰 McAllen is more affordable
💼 McAllen has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs McAllen — The Verdict
McAllen scores 70/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, McAllen has a clear edge with home prices 48% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 10 fewer declarations in 20 years. McAllen may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in McAllen are 48% lower — a difference of $145,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in McAllen saves you $359/month — that's $4,308 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $15,347 more per year (27% higher median income).
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 10 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$158,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$955
Median Income
$71,673
$56,326
The affordability gap is significant — McAllen offers home prices 48% lower than Chicago, translating to $145,800 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.
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
20
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 10 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to McAllen: Common Questions
Is Chicago or McAllen cheaper to live in?
McAllen is more affordable overall. Home prices are $145,800 lower in McAllen. Monthly rent is $955 in McAllen vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or McAllen have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or McAllen better for finding a job?
McAllen currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in McAllen. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $56,326 in McAllen.
Which city is safer — Chicago or McAllen?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 20 in McAllen. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for McAllen.
Should I move from Chicago to McAllen?
Based on our data, McAllen scores 70.0/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — McAllen 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 5, 2026.