63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Rochester wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Rochester wins 1–2 overall (72/100)
💰 Rochester is more affordable
💼 Rochester has lower unemployment
🛡️ Rochester has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Rochester — The Verdict
Rochester scores 72/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Rochester has a clear edge with home prices 63% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Rochester has a notably lower disaster history with 6 fewer declarations in 20 years. Rochester may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Rochester are 63% lower — a difference of $193,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Rochester saves you $319/month — that's $3,828 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $27,517 more per year (62% higher median income).
🛡️
Rochester has experienced 6 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$111,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$995
Median Income
$71,673
$44,156
The affordability gap is significant — Rochester offers home prices 63% lower than Chicago, translating to $193,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.6%
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.
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
4
Rochester has a markedly lower disaster history — 6 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Rochester: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Rochester is more affordable overall. Home prices are $193,100 lower in Rochester. Monthly rent is $995 in Rochester vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Rochester have better weather?
Rochester scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Rochester better for finding a job?
Rochester currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.6% in Rochester. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $44,156 in Rochester.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Rochester?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Rochester is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 4 in Rochester. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Rochester.
Should I move from Chicago to Rochester?
Based on our data, Rochester scores 72.0/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Rochester is more affordable, while Rochester 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.