63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
57
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chicago wins 2–2 overall (63/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Washington — The Verdict
It's a close call — Chicago (63/100) and Washington (57.2/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Chicago has a clear edge with home prices 57% lower. Chicago has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 4.6%. Chicago may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 57% lower — a difference of $400,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $503/month — that's $6,036 per year.
💵
Households in Washington earn $30,049 more per year (42% higher median income).
📊
Chicago has a 2.1 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Washington has cleaner air with an AQI 56 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 4 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$705,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,817
Median Income
$71,673
$101,722
The affordability gap is significant — Chicago offers home prices 57% lower than Washington, translating to $400,500 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
6.7%
Chicago has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 2.1 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
4 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Washington wins on air quality with an AQI 56 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
14
Hurricane Risk
Low
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Washington: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Washington cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $400,500 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,817 in Washington.
Does Chicago or Washington have better weather?
Washington scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Washington better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 6.7% in Washington. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $101,722 in Washington.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Washington?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Washington. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Washington.
Should I move from Chicago to Washington?
Based on our data, Chicago scores 63.0/100 vs Washington's 57.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Washington 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.