Chicago logs 92 frost days a year to Jacksonville's 3 — Jacksonville wins by 89. Chicago also leads on hot days by 108.

Chicago runs about $3,665/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Jacksonville's $3,157/mo — Jacksonville comes in $508 cheaper each month, roughly 16% less.

On mobility, Chicago scores 3.4 vs Jacksonville's 1.6 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on public transit. Jacksonville still holds an edge on motorbike/scooter efficiency.

Chicago's culture score of 4.4 sits well above Jacksonville's 1.3, with the biggest gap on live music venues.

Jacksonville's nature & outdoors score of 4.0 sits well above Chicago's 3.5, with the biggest gap on sea access. Chicago still holds an edge on green areas.

Chicago's safety score of 2.5 sits well above Jacksonville's 2.2, with the biggest gap on wildfire safety. Jacksonville still holds an edge on earthquake safety.

Chicago's career score of 4.7 sits well above Jacksonville's 2.7, with the biggest gap on career opportunities.

Chicago's social & community score is ~1.4× Jacksonville's — in the upper band, while Jacksonville lands in the middle of the scale, with the biggest gap on multicultural mix.

On food & dining, Chicago scores 4.6 vs Jacksonville's 2.2 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on brunch availability.

On family, Chicago scores 4.0 vs Jacksonville's 2.0 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on international schools.

On healthcare, Chicago scores 2.8 vs Jacksonville's 2.1 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on private healthcare quality.

Chicago averages 8.5 µg/m³ (good) PM2.5 annually versus Jacksonville's 8.1 µg/m³ (good) — Jacksonville breathes ~5% cleaner air (0.4 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here