63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
70
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Springfield wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Springfield wins 1–2 overall (70/100)
💰 Springfield is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Springfield — The Verdict
Springfield scores 70.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Springfield has a clear edge with home prices 35% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 5 fewer declarations in 20 years. Springfield may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Springfield are 35% lower — a difference of $106,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Springfield saves you $267/month — that's $3,204 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $23,996 more per year (50% higher median income).
🌬️
Springfield has cleaner air with an AQI 27 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 5 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$198,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,047
Median Income
$71,673
$47,677
The affordability gap is significant — Springfield offers home prices 35% lower than Chicago, translating to $106,000 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.8%
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.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
33 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Springfield wins on air quality with an AQI 27 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
15
Hurricane Risk
Low
Moderate
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 5 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Springfield: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Springfield is more affordable overall. Home prices are $106,000 lower in Springfield. Monthly rent is $1,047 in Springfield vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Springfield have better weather?
Springfield scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Springfield better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.8% in Springfield. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $47,677 in Springfield.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Springfield?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 15 in Springfield. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Springfield.
Should I move from Chicago to Springfield?
Based on our data, Springfield scores 70.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Springfield is more affordable, while Springfield 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.