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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Tucson, AZ

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

15.0% Tucson, AZ is cheaper overall
20.0% 20.0% cheaper housing
7.7% 7.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 20.0% cheaper
Chicago
105
Tucson
84
🛒 Groceries 7.7% cheaper
Chicago
104
Tucson
96
🚗 Transportation 15.8% cheaper
Chicago
114
Tucson
96
🏥 Healthcare 10.7% cheaper
Chicago
103
Tucson
92
⚡ Utilities 3.0% more
Chicago
101
Tucson
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Tucson, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index1079115.0% less
Housing1058420.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,00041.2% less
Median Home Price$310,000$270,00012.9% less
Groceries104967.7% less
Transportation1149615.8% less
Healthcare1039210.7% less
Utilities1011043.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Tucson, 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
Tucson, AZ
$52,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Tucson 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 Tucson to maintain your Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Tucson (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Tucson4.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Tucson2.1%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Tucson23 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Tucson41
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Tucson48
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Tucson70°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Tucson542,629

Moving from Chicago to Tucson?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Tucson cheaper to live in?+
Tucson is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 20.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Tucson?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,000/month in Tucson — a difference of about $700 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Tucson?+
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 Tucson?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $52,000 in Tucson. 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 Tucson?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $270,000 in Tucson — a difference of $40,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Arizona averages 0.51%.