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 Rosa — The Verdict
Chicago scores 63/100 compared to Santa Rosa's 51/100, 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 11 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 $357,200 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $710/month — that's $8,520 per year.
💵
Households in Santa Rosa earn $20,931 more per year (29% higher median income).
📊
Chicago has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Santa Rosa has cleaner air with an AQI 56 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 11 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$661,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$2,024
Median Income
$71,673
$92,604
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 54% lower than Santa Rosa, translating to $357,200 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
4 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Santa Rosa wins on air quality with an AQI 56 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
21
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 11 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Santa Rosa: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $357,200 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $2,024 in Santa Rosa.
Does Chicago or Santa Rosa have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or Santa Rosa better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.5% in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $92,604 in Santa Rosa.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Santa Rosa?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 21 in Santa Rosa. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Santa Rosa.
Should I move from Chicago to Santa Rosa?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Santa Rosa's 51.0/100 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.