63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
55
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
It's a tie 1–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chicago wins 1–1 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 New York has lower unemployment
🛡️ New York has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs New York — The Verdict
It's a close call — Chicago (63/100) and New York (55.2/100) each win 1 categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 58% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 58% lower — a difference of $427,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $400/month — that's $4,800 per year.
💵
Households in New York earn $4,934 more per year (7% higher median income).
Median Home Value
$304,500
$732,100
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,714
Median Income
$71,673
$76,607
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 58% lower than New York, translating to $427,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
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.
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
9
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to New York: Common Questions
Is Chicago or New York cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $427,600 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,714 in New York.
Does Chicago or New York have better weather?
New York scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or New York better for finding a job?
New York currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.6% in New York. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $76,607 in New York.
Which city is safer — Chicago or New York?
In terms of natural disaster risk, New York is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in New York. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for New York.
Should I move from Chicago to New York?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs New York's 55.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while New York 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.