63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
63
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Surprise wins 4–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Neither wins 1–4 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Surprise has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Surprise — The Verdict
Surprise scores 63.5/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 14% lower.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 14% lower — a difference of $48,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $508/month — that's $6,096 per year.
💵
Households in Surprise earn $16,083 more per year (22% higher median income).
🌬️
Surprise has cleaner air with an AQI 22 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$352,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,822
Median Income
$71,673
$87,756
Chicago edges out Surprise on housing costs by 14%, a difference of $48,100. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.3%
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
38 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Surprise wins on air quality with an AQI 22 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
11
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Surprise: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $48,100 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,822 in Surprise.
Does Chicago or Surprise have better weather?
Surprise scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Surprise better for finding a job?
Surprise currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Surprise. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $87,756 in Surprise.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Surprise?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Surprise. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Surprise.
Should I move from Chicago to Surprise?
Based on our data, Surprise scores 63.5/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Surprise has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Surprise?
Compare quotes from top-rated moving companies and save up to 40%
Get Free Moving Quotes →
📊 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.