63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
61
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
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Newark — The Verdict
It's a close call — Chicago (63/100) and Newark (61.5/100) each win 1 categories. Housing costs are nearly identical between the two cities. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 5 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
💵
Households in Chicago earn $25,213 more per year (54% higher median income).
📊
Chicago has a 0.8 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Newark has cleaner air with an AQI 43 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 5 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$312,300
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,273
Median Income
$71,673
$46,460
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 2% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
5.4%
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
17 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Newark wins on air quality with an AQI 43 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
15
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 5 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Newark: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Newark cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $7,800 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,273 in Newark vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Newark have better weather?
Newark scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Newark better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.4% in Newark. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $46,460 in Newark.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Newark?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 15 in Newark. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Newark.
Should I move from Chicago to Newark?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Newark's 61.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Newark is more affordable, while Newark 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 5, 2026.