63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
63
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Peoria wins 4–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Neither wins 1–4 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Peoria has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Peoria — The Verdict
Peoria scores 63/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 21% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 21% lower — a difference of $79,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $324/month — that's $3,888 per year.
💵
Households in Peoria earn $15,086 more per year (21% higher median income).
🌬️
Peoria has cleaner air with an AQI 22 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$383,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,638
Median Income
$71,673
$86,759
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 21% lower than Peoria, translating to $79,100 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
38 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Peoria wins on air quality with an AQI 22 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
11
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Peoria: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $79,100 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,638 in Peoria.
Does Chicago or Peoria have better weather?
Peoria scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Peoria better for finding a job?
Peoria currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Peoria. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $86,759 in Peoria.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Peoria?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Peoria. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Peoria.
Should I move from Chicago to Peoria?
Based on our data, Peoria scores 63.0/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Peoria 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.