63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
82
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Montgomery wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Montgomery wins 0–3 overall (82/100)
💰 Montgomery is more affordable
💼 Montgomery has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Montgomery — The Verdict
Montgomery scores 82.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Montgomery has a clear edge with home prices 53% lower. Montgomery has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 2.7%. Montgomery may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers and job seekers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Montgomery are 53% lower — a difference of $162,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Montgomery saves you $288/month — that's $3,456 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $17,507 more per year (32% higher median income).
📊
Montgomery has a 1.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Montgomery has cleaner air with an AQI 54 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$141,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,026
Median Income
$71,673
$54,166
The affordability gap is significant — Montgomery offers home prices 53% lower than Chicago, translating to $162,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
2.7%
Montgomery has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 1.9 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
6 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Montgomery 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
12
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Montgomery: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Montgomery is more affordable overall. Home prices are $162,600 lower in Montgomery. Monthly rent is $1,026 in Montgomery vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Montgomery have better weather?
Montgomery scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Montgomery better for finding a job?
Montgomery currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 2.7% in Montgomery. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $54,166 in Montgomery.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Montgomery?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Montgomery. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Montgomery.
Should I move from Chicago to Montgomery?
Based on our data, Montgomery scores 82.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Montgomery is more affordable, while Montgomery 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.