63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
65
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
McKinney wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
McKinney wins 1–3 overall (65/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 McKinney has lower unemployment
📋 Chicago vs McKinney — The Verdict
McKinney scores 65/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 24% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 24% lower — a difference of $95,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $426/month — that's $5,112 per year.
💵
Households in McKinney earn $41,613 more per year (58% higher median income).
Median Home Value
$304,500
$400,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,740
Median Income
$71,673
$113,286
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 24% lower than McKinney, translating to $95,900 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
10
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to McKinney: Common Questions
Is Chicago or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $95,900 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,740 in McKinney.
Does Chicago or McKinney have better weather?
McKinney scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or McKinney better for finding a job?
McKinney currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in McKinney. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $113,286 in McKinney.
Which city is safer — Chicago or McKinney?
In terms of natural disaster risk, McKinney is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in McKinney. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for McKinney.
Should I move from Chicago to McKinney?
Based on our data, McKinney scores 65.0/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while McKinney 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.