63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
It's a tie 0–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Neither wins 0–0 overall (63/100)
💰 Providence is more affordable
💼 Providence has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Providence — The Verdict
It's a close call — Chicago (63/100) and Providence (63/100) each win 0 categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Providence edges out with slightly lower home prices.
💡 Key Differences
💰
Renting in Providence saves you $100/month — that's $1,200 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $10,308 more per year (17% higher median income).
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 4 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$293,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,214
Median Income
$71,673
$61,365
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 4% 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
58 Moderate
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
14
Hurricane Risk
Low
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Providence: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Providence cheaper to live in?
Providence is more affordable overall. Home prices are $11,500 lower in Providence. Monthly rent is $1,214 in Providence vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Providence have better weather?
Providence scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Providence better for finding a job?
Providence currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Providence. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $61,365 in Providence.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Providence?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Providence. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Providence.
Should I move from Chicago to Providence?
Based on our data, Providence scores 63.0/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Providence is more affordable, while Providence 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.