63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Neither wins 2–2 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs San Bernardino — The Verdict
It's a close call — Chicago (63/100) and San Bernardino (63.5/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 12% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 19 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 12% lower — a difference of $42,600 in median home value.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $10,350 more per year (17% higher median income).
📊
Chicago has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
San Bernardino has cleaner air with an AQI 49 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 19 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$347,100
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,319
Median Income
$71,673
$61,323
Chicago edges out San Bernardino on housing costs by 12%, a difference of $42,600. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
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
11 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
San Bernardino wins on air quality with an AQI 49 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
29
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 19 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to San Bernardino: Common Questions
Is Chicago or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $42,600 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,319 in San Bernardino.
Does Chicago or San Bernardino have better weather?
San Bernardino scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or San Bernardino better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.5% in San Bernardino. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $61,323 in San Bernardino.
Which city is safer — Chicago or San Bernardino?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 29 in San Bernardino. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for San Bernardino.
Should I move from Chicago to San Bernardino?
Based on our data, San Bernardino scores 63.5/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — San Bernardino is more affordable, while San Bernardino has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to San Bernardino?
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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.