63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
69
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
It's a tie 1–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Toledo wins 1–1 overall (69/100)
💰 Toledo is more affordable
💼 Toledo has lower unemployment
🛡️ Toledo has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Toledo — The Verdict
It's a close call — Chicago (63/100) and Toledo (69.8/100) each win 1 categories. On affordability, Toledo has a clear edge with home prices 68% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Toledo has a notably lower disaster history with 6 fewer declarations in 20 years. Toledo may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Toledo are 68% lower — a difference of $205,700 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Toledo saves you $460/month — that's $5,520 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $26,268 more per year (58% higher median income).
🌬️
Chicago has cleaner air with an AQI 12 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Toledo has experienced 6 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$98,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$854
Median Income
$71,673
$45,405
The affordability gap is significant — Toledo offers home prices 68% lower than Chicago, translating to $205,700 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.5%
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
72 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
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
4
Toledo has a markedly lower disaster history — 6 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Toledo: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Toledo cheaper to live in?
Toledo is more affordable overall. Home prices are $205,700 lower in Toledo. Monthly rent is $854 in Toledo vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Toledo have better weather?
Toledo scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Toledo better for finding a job?
Toledo currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.5% in Toledo. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $45,405 in Toledo.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Toledo?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Toledo is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 4 in Toledo. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Toledo.
Should I move from Chicago to Toledo?
Based on our data, Toledo scores 69.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Toledo is more affordable, while Toledo 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.