63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
63
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Tempe wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Neither wins 1–3 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Tempe has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Tempe — The Verdict
Tempe scores 63.5/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 20% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 20% lower — a difference of $77,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $158/month — that's $1,896 per year.
🌬️
Tempe has cleaner air with an AQI 22 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$382,100
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,472
Median Income
$71,673
$72,022
Chicago edges out Tempe on housing costs by 20%, a difference of $77,600. 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
Tempe 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 Tempe: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $77,600 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,472 in Tempe.
Does Chicago or Tempe have better weather?
Tempe scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Tempe better for finding a job?
Tempe currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Tempe. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $72,022 in Tempe.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Tempe?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Tempe. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Tempe.
Should I move from Chicago to Tempe?
Based on our data, Tempe scores 63.5/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Tempe 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.