63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
55
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Santa Clarita wins 3–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chicago wins 2–3 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Santa Clarita — The Verdict
Santa Clarita scores 55.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 54% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 44 fewer declarations in 20 years. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 54% lower — a difference of $364,700 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $1,001/month — that's $12,012 per year.
💵
Households in Santa Clarita earn $44,513 more per year (62% higher median income).
📊
Chicago has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Santa Clarita has cleaner air with an AQI 54 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 44 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$669,200
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$2,315
Median Income
$71,673
$116,186
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 54% lower than Santa Clarita, translating to $364,700 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
6 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Santa Clarita wins on air quality with an AQI 54 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
54
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 44 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Santa Clarita: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $364,700 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $2,315 in Santa Clarita.
Does Chicago or Santa Clarita have better weather?
Santa Clarita scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Santa Clarita better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.5% in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $116,186 in Santa Clarita.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Santa Clarita?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 54 in Santa Clarita. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Santa Clarita.
Should I move from Chicago to Santa Clarita?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Santa Clarita's 55.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Santa Clarita 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.