63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
74
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Oklahoma City wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Oklahoma City wins 0–3 overall (74/100)
💰 Oklahoma City is more affordable
💼 Oklahoma City has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Oklahoma City — The Verdict
Oklahoma City scores 74.5/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Oklahoma City has a clear edge with home prices 35% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 25 fewer declarations in 20 years. Oklahoma City may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Oklahoma City are 35% lower — a difference of $107,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Oklahoma City saves you $302/month — that's $3,624 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $7,422 more per year (12% higher median income).
📊
Oklahoma City has a 1.0 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 25 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$196,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,012
Median Income
$71,673
$64,251
The affordability gap is significant — Oklahoma City offers home prices 35% lower than Chicago, translating to $107,800 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Oklahoma City 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
35
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 25 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Oklahoma City: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Oklahoma City cheaper to live in?
Oklahoma City is more affordable overall. Home prices are $107,800 lower in Oklahoma City. Monthly rent is $1,012 in Oklahoma City vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Oklahoma City have better weather?
Oklahoma City scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Oklahoma City better for finding a job?
Oklahoma City currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.6% in Oklahoma City. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $64,251 in Oklahoma City.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Oklahoma City?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 35 in Oklahoma City. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Oklahoma City.
Should I move from Chicago to Oklahoma City?
Based on our data, Oklahoma City scores 74.5/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Oklahoma City is more affordable, while Oklahoma City 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.