63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
68
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Mesa wins 2–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Mesa wins 0–2 overall (68/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Mesa has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Mesa — The Verdict
Mesa scores 68/100 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.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 7% lower — a difference of $23,200 in median home value.
🌬️
Mesa has cleaner air with an AQI 33 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$327,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,352
Median Income
$71,673
$73,766
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%
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.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
27 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Mesa wins on air quality with an AQI 33 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
11
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Mesa: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $23,200 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,352 in Mesa.
Does Chicago or Mesa have better weather?
Mesa scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Mesa better for finding a job?
Mesa currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Mesa. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $73,766 in Mesa.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Mesa?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Mesa. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Mesa.
Should I move from Chicago to Mesa?
Based on our data, Mesa scores 68.0/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Mesa is more affordable, while Mesa has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Mesa?
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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.