63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
74
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Pasadena wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Pasadena wins 0–3 overall (74/100)
💰 Pasadena is more affordable
💼 Pasadena has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Pasadena — The Verdict
Pasadena scores 74.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Pasadena has a clear edge with home prices 44% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 11 fewer declarations in 20 years. Pasadena may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Pasadena are 44% lower — a difference of $132,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Pasadena saves you $155/month — that's $1,860 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $6,975 more per year (11% higher median income).
🌬️
Pasadena has cleaner air with an AQI 47 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 11 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$171,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,159
Median Income
$71,673
$64,698
The affordability gap is significant — Pasadena offers home prices 44% lower than Chicago, translating to $132,900 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
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
13 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Pasadena wins on air quality with an AQI 47 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
21
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 11 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Pasadena: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Pasadena is more affordable overall. Home prices are $132,900 lower in Pasadena. Monthly rent is $1,159 in Pasadena vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Pasadena have better weather?
Pasadena scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Pasadena better for finding a job?
Pasadena currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Pasadena. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $64,698 in Pasadena.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Pasadena?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 21 in Pasadena. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Pasadena.
Should I move from Chicago to Pasadena?
Based on our data, Pasadena scores 74.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Pasadena is more affordable, while Pasadena has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Pasadena?
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.