63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
77
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Springfield wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Springfield wins 0–3 overall (77/100)
💰 Springfield is more affordable
💼 Springfield has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Springfield — The Verdict
Springfield scores 77.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Springfield has a clear edge with home prices 52% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 9 fewer declarations in 20 years. Springfield may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Springfield are 52% lower — a difference of $158,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Springfield saves you $436/month — that's $5,232 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $28,223 more per year (65% higher median income).
📊
Springfield has a 0.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Springfield has cleaner air with an AQI 33 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 9 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$146,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$878
Median Income
$71,673
$43,450
The affordability gap is significant — Springfield offers home prices 52% lower than Chicago, translating to $158,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.9%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Springfield having a slight edge at 3.9% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
27 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Springfield wins on air quality with an AQI 33 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
19
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 9 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 $158,100 lower in Springfield. Monthly rent is $878 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?
Springfield currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.9% in Springfield. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $43,450 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 19 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 77.2/100 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 4, 2026.