63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
San Antonio wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
San Antonio wins 1–2 overall (72/100)
💰 San Antonio is more affordable
💼 San Antonio has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs San Antonio — The Verdict
San Antonio scores 72/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, San Antonio has a clear edge with home prices 35% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 9 fewer declarations in 20 years. San Antonio may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in San Antonio are 35% lower — a difference of $106,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in San Antonio saves you $125/month — that's $1,500 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $12,080 more per year (20% higher median income).
🌬️
San Antonio has cleaner air with an AQI 29 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 9 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$198,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,189
Median Income
$71,673
$59,593
The affordability gap is significant — San Antonio offers home prices 35% lower than Chicago, translating to $106,500 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.3%
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.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
31 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
San Antonio wins on air quality with an AQI 29 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
19
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 9 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to San Antonio: Common Questions
Is Chicago or San Antonio cheaper to live in?
San Antonio is more affordable overall. Home prices are $106,500 lower in San Antonio. Monthly rent is $1,189 in San Antonio vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or San Antonio have better weather?
San Antonio scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or San Antonio better for finding a job?
San Antonio currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in San Antonio. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $59,593 in San Antonio.
Which city is safer — Chicago or San Antonio?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 19 in San Antonio. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for San Antonio.
Should I move from Chicago to San Antonio?
Based on our data, San Antonio scores 72.0/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — San Antonio is more affordable, while San Antonio 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.