Best for affordability: Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon looks like the easiest place here to live with less financial drag. It comes out ahead on rent burden and rent.
What Stands Out
A quick read on this comparison
Deterministic summaries based on the data in view.
Biggest tradeoff: Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois is the sharpest split in this comparison: strong on daily convenience, weaker on safety.
Potential dealbreaker: Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois needs a closer look before you get too attached, especially on rent burden.
Comparison Matrix
| City | ||
|---|---|---|
| Route | ||
| General Info | ||
| Population | 2,664,452 | 652,503 |
| Population Density | 12.0k /sq mi | 4.8k /sq mi |
| Elevation | 587 ft(179 m) | 39 ft(12 m) |
| Housing & Wealth | ||
| Median Home | $304,487 | $516,539 |
| Median Rent | $2,191 | $1,722 |
| Median Income | $71,673 | $71,498 |
| Rent Burden | 37% | 29% |
| Climate & Risks | ||
| Sunny Days | 212 days/yr | 262 days/yr |
| Avg. High | 59°F | 63°F |
| Comfort Score | 47/100Mixed | 73/100Great |
| Temp Swing | 48°F | 39°F |
| Annual Rainfall | 44"(112 cm) | 56"(142 cm) |
| Annual Snowfall | 11"(28 cm) | 7"(18 cm) |
| Air Quality | AQI 50 (Avg)19 days > 100 | AQI 32 (Avg)1 days > 100 |
| Infrastructure & Lifestyle | ||
| Walk Score | 72 | 65 |
| Transit Score | 100 | 93 |
| Safety Score | 30 / 100 | 55 / 100 |
| School Rating | 7.3/10 | 5.9/10 |
| Flood Risk (FEMA) | minimalMinimal Risk | moderateModerate Risk |
| Fire Risk (FEMA) | minimalMinimal | minimalMinimal |
| Internet Access | Fiber: 33%Cable: 99% | Fiber: 76%Cable: 99% |
| Demographics | ||
| Median Age | 35.3 years | 38.3 years |
| College Educated | 42% | 53% |
| Remote Workers | 16% | 22% |
| Nature Access | ||
| Local Nature & Reserves | Finding... | Finding... |
| Scouting & Local Help | ||
Plan a first lookWays to plan a first visit or connect with a relevant local partner. | Featured Local Partner ADYour logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Chicago | Featured Local Partner ADYour logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Portland |
Latest Editorial
New from WhyThere.
Essays and data-led lenses on climate, cost, geography, and the shape of daily life.
Collections
Browse the strongest WhyThere lenses.
Collections group cities around a decision lens, not just a category.
Climate LensWarm Leaning
No Real Winter
Cities where cold rarely takes over daily life.
Open collection
Climate LensHigh Elevation
The Altitude Hack
Sunny highland cities that stay much milder than you expect.
Open collection
Climate LensExpectation Breaker
Surprisingly Soggy
Places that quietly out-rain their sunny reputations.
Open collection