63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Richmond wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Richmond wins 0–3 overall (71/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Richmond has lower unemployment
🛡️ Richmond has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Richmond — The Verdict
Richmond scores 71.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are nearly identical between the two cities.
💡 Key Differences
💰
Renting in Richmond saves you $87/month — that's $1,044 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $12,067 more per year (20% higher median income).
📊
Richmond has a 1.0 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Richmond has cleaner air with an AQI 42 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$308,300
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,227
Median Income
$71,673
$59,606
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 1% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Richmond having a slight edge at 3.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
18 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Richmond wins on air quality with an AQI 42 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
9
Hurricane Risk
Low
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Richmond: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $3,800 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,227 in Richmond vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Richmond have better weather?
Richmond scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Richmond better for finding a job?
Richmond currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.6% in Richmond. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $59,606 in Richmond.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Richmond?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Richmond is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Richmond. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Richmond.
Should I move from Chicago to Richmond?
Based on our data, Richmond scores 71.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Richmond is more affordable, while Richmond 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.