63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
68
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Philadelphia wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Philadelphia wins 1–2 overall (68/100)
💰 Philadelphia is more affordable
💼 Philadelphia has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Philadelphia — The Verdict
Philadelphia scores 68.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Philadelphia has a clear edge with home prices 29% lower. Philadelphia may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Philadelphia are 29% lower — a difference of $89,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Philadelphia saves you $64/month — that's $768 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $14,136 more per year (25% higher median income).
Median Home Value
$304,500
$215,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,250
Median Income
$71,673
$57,537
The affordability gap is significant — Philadelphia offers home prices 29% lower than Chicago, translating to $89,000 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.2%
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.
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
12
Hurricane Risk
Low
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Philadelphia: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Philadelphia is more affordable overall. Home prices are $89,000 lower in Philadelphia. Monthly rent is $1,250 in Philadelphia vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Philadelphia have better weather?
Philadelphia scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Philadelphia better for finding a job?
Philadelphia currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.2% in Philadelphia. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $57,537 in Philadelphia.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Philadelphia?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Philadelphia. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Philadelphia.
Should I move from Chicago to Philadelphia?
Based on our data, Philadelphia scores 68.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Philadelphia is more affordable, while Philadelphia 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.