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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Mesa, AZ

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

7.5% Mesa, AZ is cheaper overall
1.0% 1.0% cheaper housing
6.7% 6.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Chicago
105
Mesa
104
🛒 Groceries 6.7% cheaper
Chicago
104
Mesa
97
🚗 Transportation 12.3% cheaper
Chicago
114
Mesa
100
🏥 Healthcare 8.7% cheaper
Chicago
103
Mesa
94
⚡ Utilities 5.0% more
Chicago
101
Mesa
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Mesa, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index107997.5% less
Housing105104~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,25026.5% less
Median Home Price$310,000$365,00017.7% more
Groceries104976.7% less
Transportation11410012.3% less
Healthcare103948.7% less
Utilities1011065.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Mesa, AZ
State Income Tax4.95%2.50%
State Sales Tax6.25%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
Mesa, AZ
$66,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Mesa costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Mesa to maintain your Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Mesa (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Mesa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Mesa3.2%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Mesa26 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Mesa32
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Mesa56
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Mesa74°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Mesa504,258

Moving from Chicago to Mesa?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago and Mesa → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Mesa →

Compare Other Cities

Chicago vs Austin → Chicago vs Denver → Chicago vs Nashville → Mesa vs Raleigh → Mesa vs Portland → Mesa vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Mesa cheaper to live in?+
Mesa is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 1.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Mesa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,250/month in Mesa — a difference of about $450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Mesa?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Chicago to Mesa?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $66,000 in Mesa. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Chicago vs Mesa?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $365,000 in Mesa — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Arizona averages 0.51%.