63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
75
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Olathe wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Olathe wins 0–3 overall (75/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Olathe has lower unemployment
🛡️ Olathe has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Olathe — The Verdict
Olathe scores 75.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Chicago edges out with slightly lower home prices. For safety-conscious movers, Olathe has a notably lower disaster history with 5 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
💰
Renting in Olathe saves you $85/month — that's $1,020 per year.
💵
Households in Olathe earn $36,404 more per year (51% higher median income).
📊
Olathe has a 0.8 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Olathe has cleaner air with an AQI 30 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Olathe has experienced 5 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$317,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,229
Median Income
$71,673
$108,077
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 4% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.8%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Olathe having a slight edge at 3.8% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
30 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Olathe wins on air quality with an AQI 30 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
5
Olathe 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 Olathe: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $13,400 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,229 in Olathe vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Olathe have better weather?
Olathe scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Olathe better for finding a job?
Olathe currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.8% in Olathe. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $108,077 in Olathe.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Olathe?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Olathe is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 5 in Olathe. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Olathe.
Should I move from Chicago to Olathe?
Based on our data, Olathe scores 75.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Olathe is more affordable, while Olathe has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Olathe?
Compare quotes from top-rated moving companies and save up to 40%
Get Free Moving Quotes →
📊 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.