63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
66
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Salt Lake City wins 3–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Salt Lake City wins 2–3 overall (66/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Salt Lake City has lower unemployment
🛡️ Salt Lake City has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Salt Lake City — The Verdict
Salt Lake City scores 66.5/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 34% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 34% lower — a difference of $154,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Salt Lake City saves you $60/month — that's $720 per year.
📊
Salt Lake City has a 1.0 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Salt Lake City has cleaner air with an AQI 43 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$458,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,254
Median Income
$71,673
$72,357
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 34% lower than Salt Lake City, translating to $154,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Salt Lake City having a slight edge at 3.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
17 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Salt Lake City wins on air quality with an AQI 43 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
8
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Salt Lake City: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $154,100 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,254 in Salt Lake City vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Salt Lake City have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or Salt Lake City better for finding a job?
Salt Lake City currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.6% in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $72,357 in Salt Lake City.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Salt Lake City?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Salt Lake City is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 8 in Salt Lake City. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Salt Lake City.
Should I move from Chicago to Salt Lake City?
Based on our data, Salt Lake City scores 66.5/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Chicago has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Salt Lake City?
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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.