63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Tucson wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Tucson wins 1–3 overall (71/100)
💰 Tucson is more affordable
💼 Tucson has lower unemployment
🛡️ Tucson has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Tucson — The Verdict
Tucson scores 71.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Tucson has a clear edge with home prices 28% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Tucson has a notably lower disaster history with 6 fewer declarations in 20 years. Tucson may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Tucson are 28% lower — a difference of $86,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Tucson saves you $323/month — that's $3,876 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $19,624 more per year (38% higher median income).
🌬️
Tucson has cleaner air with an AQI 24 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Tucson has experienced 6 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$218,200
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$991
Median Income
$71,673
$52,049
The affordability gap is significant — Tucson offers home prices 28% lower than Chicago, translating to $86,300 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.3%
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
36 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Tucson wins on air quality with an AQI 24 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
4
Tucson 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 Tucson: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Tucson cheaper to live in?
Tucson is more affordable overall. Home prices are $86,300 lower in Tucson. Monthly rent is $991 in Tucson vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Tucson have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or Tucson better for finding a job?
Tucson currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Tucson. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $52,049 in Tucson.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Tucson?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Tucson is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 4 in Tucson. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Tucson.
Should I move from Chicago to Tucson?
Based on our data, Tucson scores 71.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Tucson is more affordable, while Chicago 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.