63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
62
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Naperville wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chicago wins 1–2 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Naperville has lower unemployment
🛡️ Naperville has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Naperville — The Verdict
Naperville scores 62.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 37% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 37% lower — a difference of $178,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $473/month — that's $5,676 per year.
💵
Households in Naperville earn $72,081 more per year (101% higher median income).
🛡️
Naperville has experienced 4 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$482,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,787
Median Income
$71,673
$143,754
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 37% lower than Naperville, translating to $178,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.6%
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
69 Moderate
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
6
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Naperville: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $178,100 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,787 in Naperville.
Does Chicago or Naperville have better weather?
Naperville scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Naperville better for finding a job?
Naperville currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.6% in Naperville. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $143,754 in Naperville.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Naperville?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Naperville is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 6 in Naperville. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Naperville.
Should I move from Chicago to Naperville?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Naperville's 62.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Naperville 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.