63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
65
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Plano wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Plano wins 1–3 overall (65/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Plano has lower unemployment
📋 Chicago vs Plano — The Verdict
Plano scores 65.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 26% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 26% lower — a difference of $108,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $385/month — that's $4,620 per year.
💵
Households in Plano earn $34,006 more per year (47% higher median income).
🌬️
Plano has cleaner air with an AQI 24 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$412,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,699
Median Income
$71,673
$105,679
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 26% lower than Plano, translating to $108,000 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.3%
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
36 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Plano wins on air quality with an AQI 24 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
10
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Plano: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Plano cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $108,000 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,699 in Plano.
Does Chicago or Plano have better weather?
Plano scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Plano better for finding a job?
Plano currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Plano. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $105,679 in Plano.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Plano?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Plano is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Plano. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Plano.
Should I move from Chicago to Plano?
Based on our data, Plano scores 65.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Plano 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.