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 vs Sacramento — The Verdict
It's a close call — Chicago (63/100) and Sacramento (60/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 32% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 32% lower — a difference of $146,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $278/month — that's $3,336 per year.
💵
Households in Sacramento earn $7,281 more per year (10% higher median income).
📊
Chicago has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Sacramento has cleaner air with an AQI 46 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$450,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,592
Median Income
$71,673
$78,954
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 32% lower than Sacramento, translating to $146,000 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
5.5%
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
Sacramento 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
10
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Sacramento: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $146,000 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,592 in Sacramento.
Does Chicago or Sacramento have better weather?
Sacramento scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Sacramento better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.5% in Sacramento. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $78,954 in Sacramento.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Sacramento?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Sacramento is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Sacramento. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Sacramento.
Should I move from Chicago to Sacramento?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Sacramento's 60.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Sacramento 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.