63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
54
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Seattle 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 Seattle — The Verdict
Seattle scores 54.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 65% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 65% lower — a difference of $575,400 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $631/month — that's $7,572 per year.
💵
Households in Seattle earn $44,395 more per year (62% higher median income).
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 4 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$879,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,945
Median Income
$71,673
$116,068
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 65% lower than Seattle, translating to $575,400 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.7%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
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
14
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Seattle: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $575,400 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,945 in Seattle.
Does Chicago or Seattle have better weather?
Seattle scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Seattle better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.7% in Seattle. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $116,068 in Seattle.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Seattle?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Seattle. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Seattle.
Should I move from Chicago to Seattle?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Seattle's 54.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Seattle 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.