Chicago, IL vs San Diego, CA: Housing Market Comparison (2026)
Side-by-side Alpha Scores, affordability, momentum, supply, jobs, and rental yield · as of July 2026
Chicago, IL vs San Diego, CA side by side
| Metric | ● Chicago, IL | ● San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Score | 49 | 35 |
| Price Momentum | 83 | 48 |
| Inventory Health | 31 | 44 |
| Affordability | 52 | 4 |
| Economic Strength | 21 | 55 |
| Rental Yield | 69 | 18 |
| Median Sale Price | $382K | $925K |
| Price-to-Income | 4.2 | 8.7 |
| Payment-to-Income | 25.1% | 51.7% |
| Months of Supply | 3 | 3 |
| Gross Rental Yield | 4.6% | 2.9% |
| Overvaluation Index | 50 | 80 |
Highlighted = the stronger read for that metric (supply, valuation, and payment burden are better when lower). Income/rent inputs lag annually.
How Chicago, IL and San Diego, CA compare, dimension by dimension
- Affordability: Chicago, IL leads — Chicago, IL 52/100 vs San Diego, CA 4/100.
- Price Momentum: Chicago, IL leads — Chicago, IL 83/100 vs San Diego, CA 48/100.
- Inventory Health: San Diego, CA leads — Chicago, IL 31/100 vs San Diego, CA 44/100.
- Economic Strength: San Diego, CA leads — Chicago, IL 21/100 vs San Diego, CA 55/100.
- Rental Yield: Chicago, IL leads — Chicago, IL 69/100 vs San Diego, CA 18/100.
Frequently asked questions
Which has a higher Alpha Score, Chicago, IL or San Diego, CA?
Chicago, IL scores higher — 49 vs 35 out of 100. The Alpha Score is a 0-100 composite of price momentum, inventory health, affordability, economic strength, and rental yield.
Is Chicago, IL or San Diego, CA more affordable?
Chicago, IL is more affordable on our affordability dimension. Price-to-income is 4.2 in Chicago, IL and 8.7 in San Diego, CA.
Which housing market has stronger momentum, Chicago, IL or San Diego, CA?
Chicago, IL has stronger price momentum — 83/100 vs 48/100.
What is the median home price in Chicago, IL vs San Diego, CA?
The median sale price is $382K in Chicago, IL and $925K in San Diego, CA.
Want to swap in other cities, change the metrics, or chart the trend over time? Customize this comparison → in the interactive Compare tool. Or read the Chicago, IL market brief and the San Diego, CA brief.