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Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Chicago, IL

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

7.0% Chicago, IL is more expensive overall
0.9% 0.9% cheaper housing
6.1% 6.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Phoenix
106
Chicago
105
🛒 Groceries 6.1% more
Phoenix
98
Chicago
104
🚗 Transportation 12.9% more
Phoenix
101
Chicago
114
🏥 Healthcare 8.4% more
Phoenix
95
Chicago
103
⚡ Utilities 6.5% cheaper
Phoenix
108
Chicago
101

Detailed Breakdown

Category Phoenix, AZ Chicago, IL Difference
Overall Cost Index1001077.0% more
Housing106105~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,280$1,70032.8% more
Median Home Price$370,000$310,00016.2% less
Groceries981046.1% more
Transportation10111412.9% more
Healthcare951038.4% more
Utilities1081016.5% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Phoenix, AZ Chicago, IL
State Income Tax2.50%4.95%
State Sales Tax5.60%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.51%1.95%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Phoenix, AZ
$68,000
Median household income
Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Chicago outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Phoenix (100) vs Chicago (107). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Phoenix3.9%
Chicago4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Phoenix3.3%
Chicago2.1%
Top Industries
PhoenixTech, Healthcare, Finance
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Phoenix27 min
Chicago35 min
Walk Score
Phoenix38
Chicago78
Air Quality (AQI)
Phoenix58
Chicago44
Avg Temperature
Phoenix75°F
Chicago50°F
Population
Phoenix1,624,569
Chicago2,665,039

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phoenix or Chicago cheaper to live in?+
Phoenix is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 0.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Phoenix vs Chicago?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,280/month in Phoenix and $1,700/month in Chicago — a difference of about $420 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Phoenix or Chicago?+
Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Phoenix to Chicago?+
Median household income in Phoenix is $68,000 compared to $74,000 in Chicago. 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 Phoenix vs Chicago?+
The median home price in Phoenix is $370,000 versus $310,000 in Chicago — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while Illinois averages 1.95%.