63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
77
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Wichita wins 4–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Wichita wins 0–4 overall (77/100)
💰 Wichita is more affordable
💼 Wichita has lower unemployment
🛡️ Wichita has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Wichita — The Verdict
Wichita scores 77.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Wichita has a clear edge with home prices 45% lower. Wichita may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Wichita are 45% lower — a difference of $138,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Wichita saves you $399/month — that's $4,788 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $10,961 more per year (18% higher median income).
📊
Wichita has a 0.8 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Wichita has cleaner air with an AQI 39 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Wichita has experienced 3 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$166,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$915
Median Income
$71,673
$60,712
The affordability gap is significant — Wichita offers home prices 45% lower than Chicago, translating to $138,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.8%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Wichita having a slight edge at 3.8% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
21 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Wichita wins on air quality with an AQI 39 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
7
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Wichita: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Wichita is more affordable overall. Home prices are $138,100 lower in Wichita. Monthly rent is $915 in Wichita vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Wichita have better weather?
Wichita scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Wichita better for finding a job?
Wichita currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.8% in Wichita. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $60,712 in Wichita.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Wichita?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Wichita is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 7 in Wichita. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Wichita.
Should I move from Chicago to Wichita?
Based on our data, Wichita scores 77.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Wichita is more affordable, while Wichita has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Wichita?
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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.