63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
60
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chicago wins 2–2 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Modesto — The Verdict
It's a close call — Chicago (63/100) and Modesto (60.2/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 20% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 20% lower — a difference of $77,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $183/month — that's $2,196 per year.
📊
Chicago has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Modesto has cleaner air with an AQI 54 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$381,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,497
Median Income
$71,673
$73,375
Chicago edges out Modesto on housing costs by 20%, a difference of $77,300. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
5.5%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Chicago having a slight edge at 4.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
6 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Modesto 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
11
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Modesto: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $77,300 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,497 in Modesto.
Does Chicago or Modesto have better weather?
Modesto scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Modesto better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.5% in Modesto. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $73,375 in Modesto.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Modesto?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Modesto. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Modesto.
Should I move from Chicago to Modesto?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Modesto's 60.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Modesto 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.