WTLG Intelligence
Chicago Relocation Intelligence
A data-driven profile of Chicago's relocation attractiveness, including cost, safety, healthcare, visa accessibility, infrastructure and migration momentum.
Score anatomy
Why Chicago scores this way
Component scores use a normalized 0-100 scale. Methodology weights show each factor's share of RAS-1.0.
Displayed contributions total 63.1 points and reconcile with the stored RAS after rounding. Missing components, when present, are excluded and available weights are proportionally reweighted.
Global position
Chicago in the WTLG city universe
- Global rank
- #307
- Total ranked cities
- 404
- Position
- Top 75.99%
Country context
Chicago within USA
- USA WTLG cities
- 15
- Rank in USA
- #4
- USA median RAS
- 61.0
- Highest / lowest
- 66.9 / 56.0
Global benchmark
Chicago against the city median
Differences are descriptive comparisons, not a winner or recommendation.
| Measure | Chicago | Global city median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAS | 63.1 | 68.3 | -5.2 |
| Cost | 50.0 | 70.0 | -20.0 |
| Safety | 48.0 | 76.0 | -28.0 |
| Healthcare | 100.0 | 71.0 | +29.0 |
| Visa | 45.0 | 65.0 | -20.0 |
| Tax | 51.0 | 58.0 | -7.0 |
| Internet | 100.0 | 91.0 | +9.0 |
| Climate | 70.0 | 72.0 | -2.0 |
Cost context
Current WTLG estimates
- Estimated monthly budget
- $2,800-$5,000
- 1BR rent
- $2,400 / month
Country-level signal
USA Migration Momentum
- MMS-1.0 score
- 55.7
- Observation
- 2024 vs 2020
Migration Momentum is a country-level input based on changes in international migrant stock and is shared by WTLG cities within the same country. It does not measure migration specifically into Chicago.
Discovery
Cities with similar RAS
Complete City Intelligence profiles are linked where available; other links open the existing city guides.
City guide
Looking for life in Chicago?
Neighborhoods, lifestyle and detailed living information remain in the authoritative city guide.