63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
58
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Spring Valley 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
🛡️ Spring Valley has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Spring Valley — The Verdict
Spring Valley scores 58.5/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 19% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Spring Valley has a notably lower disaster history with 6 fewer declarations in 20 years. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 19% lower — a difference of $70,700 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $209/month — that's $2,508 per year.
📊
Chicago has a 0.6 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Spring Valley has experienced 6 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$375,200
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,523
Median Income
$71,673
$69,341
Chicago edges out Spring Valley on housing costs by 19%, a difference of $70,700. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
5.2%
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
4
Spring Valley has a markedly lower disaster history — 6 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Spring Valley: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Spring Valley cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $70,700 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,523 in Spring Valley.
Does Chicago or Spring Valley have better weather?
Spring Valley scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Spring Valley better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 5.2% in Spring Valley. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $69,341 in Spring Valley.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Spring Valley?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Spring Valley is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 4 in Spring Valley. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Spring Valley.
Should I move from Chicago to Spring Valley?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Spring Valley's 58.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Spring Valley 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 5, 2026.