63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
60
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chicago wins 2–2 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Reno — The Verdict
It's a close call — Chicago (63/100) and Reno (60.5/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 34% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 23 fewer declarations in 20 years. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 34% lower — a difference of $157,600 in median home value.
📊
Chicago has a 0.6 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Reno has cleaner air with an AQI 46 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 23 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$462,100
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,360
Median Income
$71,673
$73,073
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 34% lower than Reno, translating to $157,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
5.2%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Chicago having a slight edge at 4.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
14 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Reno wins on air quality with an AQI 46 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
33
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 23 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Reno: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Reno cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $157,600 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,360 in Reno.
Does Chicago or Reno have better weather?
Reno scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Reno better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.2% in Reno. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $73,073 in Reno.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Reno?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 33 in Reno. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Reno.
Should I move from Chicago to Reno?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Reno's 60.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Reno 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 5, 2026.