63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
75
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Winston-Salem wins 4–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Winston-Salem wins 0–4 overall (75/100)
💰 Winston-Salem is more affordable
💼 Winston-Salem has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Winston-Salem — The Verdict
Winston-Salem scores 75.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Winston-Salem has a clear edge with home prices 38% lower. Winston-Salem may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Winston-Salem are 38% lower — a difference of $117,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Winston-Salem saves you $358/month — that's $4,296 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $17,257 more per year (32% higher median income).
📊
Winston-Salem has a 0.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$187,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$956
Median Income
$71,673
$54,416
The affordability gap is significant — Winston-Salem offers home prices 38% lower than Chicago, translating to $117,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.9%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Winston-Salem having a slight edge at 3.9% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
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
12
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Winston-Salem: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Winston-Salem cheaper to live in?
Winston-Salem is more affordable overall. Home prices are $117,100 lower in Winston-Salem. Monthly rent is $956 in Winston-Salem vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Winston-Salem have better weather?
Winston-Salem scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Winston-Salem better for finding a job?
Winston-Salem currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.9% in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $54,416 in Winston-Salem.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Winston-Salem?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Winston-Salem. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Winston-Salem.
Should I move from Chicago to Winston-Salem?
Based on our data, Winston-Salem scores 75.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Winston-Salem is more affordable, while Winston-Salem 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.