63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
70
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Raleigh wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Raleigh wins 1–3 overall (70/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Raleigh has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Raleigh — The Verdict
Raleigh scores 70.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 12% lower.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 12% lower — a difference of $42,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $57/month — that's $684 per year.
💵
Households in Raleigh earn $6,958 more per year (10% higher median income).
📊
Raleigh has a 0.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Raleigh has cleaner air with an AQI 37 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$347,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,371
Median Income
$71,673
$78,631
Chicago edges out Raleigh on housing costs by 12%, a difference of $42,500. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.9%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Raleigh having a slight edge at 3.9% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
23 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Raleigh wins on air quality with an AQI 37 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
12
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Raleigh: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $42,500 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,371 in Raleigh.
Does Chicago or Raleigh have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or Raleigh better for finding a job?
Raleigh currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.9% in Raleigh. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $78,631 in Raleigh.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Raleigh?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Raleigh. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Raleigh.
Should I move from Chicago to Raleigh?
Based on our data, Raleigh scores 70.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Raleigh is more affordable, while Chicago 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.