63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
76
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Memphis wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Memphis wins 1–3 overall (76/100)
💰 Memphis is more affordable
💼 Memphis has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Memphis — The Verdict
Memphis scores 76.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Memphis has a clear edge with home prices 54% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 9 fewer declarations in 20 years. Memphis may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Memphis are 54% lower — a difference of $164,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Memphis saves you $264/month — that's $3,168 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $23,583 more per year (49% higher median income).
📊
Memphis has a 1.0 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Memphis has cleaner air with an AQI 54 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 9 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$139,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,050
Median Income
$71,673
$48,090
The affordability gap is significant — Memphis offers home prices 54% lower than Chicago, translating to $164,900 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Memphis having a slight edge at 3.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
6 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Memphis wins on air quality with an AQI 54 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
19
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 9 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Memphis: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Memphis is more affordable overall. Home prices are $164,900 lower in Memphis. Monthly rent is $1,050 in Memphis vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Memphis have better weather?
Memphis scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Memphis better for finding a job?
Memphis currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.6% in Memphis. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $48,090 in Memphis.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Memphis?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 19 in Memphis. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Memphis.
Should I move from Chicago to Memphis?
Based on our data, Memphis scores 76.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Memphis is more affordable, while Memphis 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.