63
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
51
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
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Santa Ana — The Verdict
Chicago scores 63/100 compared to Santa Ana's 51.2/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 51% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 10 fewer declarations in 20 years. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 51% lower — a difference of $319,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $571/month — that's $6,852 per year.
💵
Households in Santa Ana earn $12,537 more per year (17% higher median income).
📊
Chicago has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 10 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$624,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,885
Median Income
$71,673
$84,210
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 51% lower than Santa Ana, translating to $319,500 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
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.
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
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
20
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 10 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Santa Ana: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $319,500 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,885 in Santa Ana.
Does Chicago or Santa Ana have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or Santa Ana better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.5% in Santa Ana. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $84,210 in Santa Ana.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Santa Ana?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 20 in Santa Ana. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Santa Ana.
Should I move from Chicago to Santa Ana?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Santa Ana's 51.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Chicago 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.