City comparison
No. Arlington's crime index is 132 versus 167 in Chicago, and its violent crime index is 130 versus 139, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Chicago is cheaper. Median rent is $1,440 a month versus $1,470 in Arlington.
Climate is the sharpest divide between Chicago and Arlington. Chicago averages 53°F while Arlington averages 67°F, a difference that affects utility bills, outdoor lifestyle, and how you feel nine months of the year. Rent runs $1,440 versus $1,470.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Chicago is the easier city on typical rent, but Arlington can still be the better daily fit depending on schools, safety, and climate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
The crime gap is citywide. Arlington has rougher pockets and Chicago has quiet ones: the index tells you the average, not your block.
The move
Chicago and Arlington are 816 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,440 a month in Chicago to $1,470 a month in Arlington, up $30 a month (2%).
Median household income goes from $77,902 in Chicago to $75,171 in Arlington, down $2,731 (4%).
The crime index goes from 167 in Chicago to 132 in Arlington, down 35 points (21%).
The move
Arlington and Chicago are 816 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,470 a month in Arlington to $1,440 a month in Chicago, down $30 a month (2%).
Median household income goes from $75,171 in Arlington to $77,902 in Chicago, up $2,731 (4%).
The crime index goes from 132 in Arlington to 167 in Chicago, up 35 points (27%).
Chicago, IL
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Arlington, TX
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Chicago and Arlington? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
2% cheaper
Chicago rent is 2% cheaper than Arlington
Chicago
Winner$1,440/mo
Arlington
$1,470/mo
Typical rent runs $1,440 a month in Chicago versus $1,470 in Arlington, so Chicago is 2% cheaper. The monthly spread is about $30, or $360 a year: noticeable, but rent alone should not pick the city. Use this as a tie-breaker after you compare income, schools, and crime, unless you are already stretching every dollar.
Planning to buy in Chicago? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
4% higher
Chicago's median income is 4% higher than Arlington
Chicago
Winner$77,902
Arlington
$75,171
Median household income is $77,902 in Chicago versus $75,171 in Arlington, so typical pay runs 4% higher in Chicago (about $2,731 more household income a year). The income edge is modest. Treat it as extra negotiating context, not a reason to ignore rent, schools, or climate. Remote workers especially should not treat citywide pay as a personal raise if their employer will not localize salary.
Crime index
21% lower crime
Arlington's crime index is 21% lower than Chicago
Chicago
167 (100 = avg)
Arlington
Winner132 (100 = avg)
Arlington's crime index is 132 versus 167 in Chicago (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 21% lower in Arlington. That gap is meaningful day-to-day. It affects whether you feel comfortable walking at night, leaving your car on the street, or letting kids play outside unsupervised. Indexes still compress a lot of reality: a calmer city has blocks you would skip, and a higher-crime city has streets that feel neighborly at 10 p.m. On the everyday test of walking from the car to the door, Arlington is the easier city. Chicago can still work if you pick the right pocket. Just budget more diligence before you sign a lease.
Typical weather
52% more comfortable
Arlington weather is 52% more comfortable than Chicago
Chicago
53°F avg · 60°F highs · comfort 66/100
Arlington
Winner67°F avg · 74°F highs · comfort 100/100
Chicago averages about 53°F (60°F highs); Arlington averages about 67°F (74°F highs). Chicago averages around 53°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Arlington sits near 67°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Arlington scores 52% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Chicago if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Chicago is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 2% cheaper here at about $1,440 a month. Choose Chicago if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Chicago is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 4% higher here ($77,902). Start with Chicago if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Fit check
Outdoor enthusiasts and people who need year-round access to nature for their wellbeing
Pick Arlington if you are an outdoor enthusiast or you need year-round access to nature for your wellbeing. Typical conditions (67°F) beat Chicago on this page's weather index by 52%. Chicago may pay more or cost less, but Arlington is the city where the forecast fights you less.
Arlington is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 21% lower than Chicago (132 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Bottom line
Chicago (53°F) and Arlington (67°F) are not interchangeable on climate — about 14°F apart on typical temperatures. Rent ($1,440 vs $1,470) and pay ($77,902 vs $75,171) still matter, yet most movers regret ignoring the forecast row.
With only $30 separating typical rent, run both offer letters before housing cost alone picks the city.
Median income is $77,902 in Chicago versus $75,171 in Arlington.
If climate drives your move, Chicago is the stronger match (53°F typical weather versus 67°F). If an employer or family tie already points to Arlington, treat $1,470/month rent and $75,171 income as the numbers that actually govern the decision.
Common questions
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Nearby research
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