63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
70
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
New Orleans wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
New Orleans wins 0–3 overall (70/100)
💰 New Orleans is more affordable
💼 New Orleans has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs New Orleans — The Verdict
New Orleans scores 70.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though New Orleans edges out with slightly lower home prices. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 19 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in New Orleans are 8% lower — a difference of $23,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in New Orleans saves you $152/month — that's $1,824 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $20,557 more per year (40% higher median income).
🌬️
New Orleans has cleaner air with an AQI 36 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 19 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$281,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,162
Median Income
$71,673
$51,116
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 8% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.2%
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
24 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
New Orleans wins on air quality with an AQI 36 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
29
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 19 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to New Orleans: Common Questions
Is Chicago or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
New Orleans is more affordable overall. Home prices are $23,000 lower in New Orleans. Monthly rent is $1,162 in New Orleans vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or New Orleans have better weather?
New Orleans scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or New Orleans better for finding a job?
New Orleans currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.2% in New Orleans. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $51,116 in New Orleans.
Which city is safer — Chicago or New Orleans?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 29 in New Orleans. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for New Orleans.
Should I move from Chicago to New Orleans?
Based on our data, New Orleans scores 70.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — New Orleans is more affordable, while New Orleans 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.