63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Virginia Beach wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Virginia Beach wins 0–3 overall (72/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Virginia Beach has lower unemployment
🛡️ Virginia Beach has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Virginia Beach — The Verdict
Virginia Beach scores 72.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 11% lower.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 11% lower — a difference of $39,200 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $254/month — that's $3,048 per year.
💵
Households in Virginia Beach earn $15,871 more per year (22% higher median income).
📊
Virginia Beach has a 1.0 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Virginia Beach has cleaner air with an AQI 37 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$343,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,568
Median Income
$71,673
$87,544
Chicago edges out Virginia Beach on housing costs by 11%, a difference of $39,200. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Virginia Beach having a slight edge at 3.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
23 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Virginia Beach wins on air quality with an AQI 37 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
Hurricane Risk
Low
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Virginia Beach: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $39,200 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,568 in Virginia Beach.
Does Chicago or Virginia Beach have better weather?
Virginia Beach scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Virginia Beach better for finding a job?
Virginia Beach currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.6% in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $87,544 in Virginia Beach.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Virginia Beach?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Virginia Beach is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Virginia Beach. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Virginia Beach.
Should I move from Chicago to Virginia Beach?
Based on our data, Virginia Beach scores 72.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Virginia Beach is more affordable, while Virginia Beach has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Virginia Beach?
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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.