63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
66
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Minneapolis wins 2–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Minneapolis wins 0–2 overall (66/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Minneapolis has lower unemployment
🛡️ Minneapolis has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Minneapolis — The Verdict
Minneapolis scores 66.5/100 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 $24,200 in median home value.
💵
Households in Minneapolis earn $4,659 more per year (7% higher median income).
📊
Minneapolis has a 0.5 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$328,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,267
Median Income
$71,673
$76,332
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%
4.1%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Minneapolis having a slight edge at 4.1% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
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
8
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Minneapolis: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $24,200 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,267 in Minneapolis vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Minneapolis have better weather?
Minneapolis scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Minneapolis better for finding a job?
Minneapolis currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.1% in Minneapolis. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $76,332 in Minneapolis.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Minneapolis?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Minneapolis is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 8 in Minneapolis. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Minneapolis.
Should I move from Chicago to Minneapolis?
Based on our data, Minneapolis scores 66.5/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Minneapolis is more affordable, while Minneapolis 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.