63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
58
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Chicago wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chicago wins 2–1 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Vancouver has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Vancouver — The Verdict
Chicago scores 63/100 compared to Vancouver's 58.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 25% lower. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 25% lower — a difference of $98,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $211/month — that's $2,532 per year.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$403,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,525
Median Income
$71,673
$73,626
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 25% lower than Vancouver, translating to $98,900 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
57 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
8
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Vancouver: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $98,900 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,525 in Vancouver.
Does Chicago or Vancouver have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or Vancouver better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.7% in Vancouver. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $73,626 in Vancouver.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Vancouver?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Vancouver is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 8 in Vancouver. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Vancouver.
Should I move from Chicago to Vancouver?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Vancouver's 58.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Chicago has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Vancouver?
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 5, 2026.