63
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
48
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Chicago wins 3–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chicago wins 3–2 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ San Francisco has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs San Francisco — The Verdict
Chicago scores 63/100 compared to San Francisco's 48/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 77% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 77% lower — a difference of $1,044,200 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $1,002/month — that's $12,024 per year.
💵
Households in San Francisco earn $65,016 more per year (91% higher median income).
📊
Chicago has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
San Francisco has cleaner air with an AQI 24 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
San Francisco has experienced 4 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$1,348,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$2,316
Median Income
$71,673
$136,689
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 77% lower than San Francisco, translating to $1,044,200 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
36 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
San Francisco wins on air quality with an AQI 24 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
6
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to San Francisco: Common Questions
Is Chicago or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $1,044,200 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $2,316 in San Francisco.
Does Chicago or San Francisco have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or San Francisco better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.5% in San Francisco. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $136,689 in San Francisco.
Which city is safer — Chicago or San Francisco?
In terms of natural disaster risk, San Francisco is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 6 in San Francisco. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for San Francisco.
Should I move from Chicago to San Francisco?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs San Francisco's 48.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Chicago has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to San Francisco?
Compare quotes from top-rated moving companies and save up to 40%
Get Free Moving Quotes →
📊 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.