63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
66
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Orlando wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Orlando wins 1–2 overall (66/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Orlando has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Orlando — The Verdict
Orlando scores 66.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Chicago edges out with slightly lower home prices. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 10 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 8% lower — a difference of $28,200 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $195/month — that's $2,340 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $5,381 more per year (8% higher median income).
🌬️
Orlando has cleaner air with an AQI 48 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 10 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$332,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,509
Median Income
$71,673
$66,292
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 8% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.3%
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.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
12 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Orlando wins on air quality with an AQI 48 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
20
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 10 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Orlando: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Orlando cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $28,200 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,509 in Orlando.
Does Chicago or Orlando have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or Orlando better for finding a job?
Orlando currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Orlando. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $66,292 in Orlando.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Orlando?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 20 in Orlando. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Orlando.
Should I move from Chicago to Orlando?
Based on our data, Orlando scores 66.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Orlando is more affordable, while Chicago 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.