63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Neither wins 2–2 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Tacoma has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Tacoma — The Verdict
It's a close call — Chicago (63/100) and Tacoma (63.8/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 27% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 27% lower — a difference of $110,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $175/month — that's $2,100 per year.
💵
Households in Tacoma earn $7,412 more per year (10% higher median income).
🌬️
Tacoma has cleaner air with an AQI 42 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$415,300
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,489
Median Income
$71,673
$79,085
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 27% lower than Tacoma, translating to $110,800 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.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
18 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Tacoma wins on air quality with an AQI 42 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
9
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Tacoma: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $110,800 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,489 in Tacoma.
Does Chicago or Tacoma have better weather?
Tacoma scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Tacoma better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.7% in Tacoma. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $79,085 in Tacoma.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Tacoma?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Tacoma is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Tacoma. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Tacoma.
Should I move from Chicago to Tacoma?
Based on our data, Tacoma scores 63.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Tacoma 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.