63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Norfolk wins 4–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Norfolk wins 0–4 overall (71/100)
💰 Norfolk is more affordable
💼 Norfolk has lower unemployment
🛡️ Norfolk has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Norfolk — The Verdict
Norfolk scores 71.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Norfolk has a clear edge with home prices 17% lower. Norfolk may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Norfolk are 17% lower — a difference of $50,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Norfolk saves you $126/month — that's $1,512 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $10,675 more per year (18% higher median income).
📊
Norfolk has a 1.0 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$254,200
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,188
Median Income
$71,673
$60,998
Norfolk edges out Chicago on housing costs by 17%, a difference of $50,300. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Norfolk having a slight edge at 3.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
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
Hurricane Risk
Low
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Norfolk: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Norfolk is more affordable overall. Home prices are $50,300 lower in Norfolk. Monthly rent is $1,188 in Norfolk vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Norfolk have better weather?
Norfolk scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Norfolk better for finding a job?
Norfolk currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.6% in Norfolk. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $60,998 in Norfolk.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Norfolk?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Norfolk is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Norfolk. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Norfolk.
Should I move from Chicago to Norfolk?
Based on our data, Norfolk scores 71.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Norfolk is more affordable, while Norfolk 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.