63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
66
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Worcester wins 2–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Worcester wins 0–2 overall (66/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Worcester — The Verdict
Worcester scores 66.5/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are nearly identical between the two cities. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 7 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
💵
Households in Chicago earn $8,662 more per year (14% higher median income).
🌬️
Worcester has cleaner air with an AQI 27 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 7 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$305,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,312
Median Income
$71,673
$63,011
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 0% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.8%
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
33 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Worcester wins on air quality with an AQI 27 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
17
Hurricane Risk
Low
Moderate
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 7 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Worcester: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $1,100 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,312 in Worcester vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Worcester have better weather?
Worcester scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Worcester better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.8% in Worcester. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $63,011 in Worcester.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Worcester?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 17 in Worcester. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Worcester.
Should I move from Chicago to Worcester?
Based on our data, Worcester scores 66.5/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Worcester is more affordable, while Worcester 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 5, 2026.