Chicago vs Phoenix
Cost of Living (2026)

Phoenix is 7% more affordable than Chicago.

Enter your salary → get exact comparison

At a glance

Chicago, IL

COL index107
State income tax4.95%
Avg 1BR rent$1,650/mo
Median home price$330K ✓
VS

Phoenix, AZ

COL index100 ✓
State income tax2.5% ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,450/mo ✓
Median home price$395K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryChicago indexPhoenix indexDifference
Housing139130 ✓-9%
Groceries10195 ✓-6%
Transportation10296 ✓-6%
Healthcare10497 ✓-7%
Utilities10196 ✓-5%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Chicago → Phoenix

What salary in Phoenix gives you the same purchasing power as your Chicago salary?

Salary in ChicagoEquivalent in PhoenixDifference
$60,000$54,000$-6,000
$80,000$72,000$-8,000
$100,000$90,000$-10,000
$130,000$117,000$-13,000
$150,000$135,000$-15,000
$200,000$180,000$-20,000

Chicago vs Phoenix: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Chicago, IL and Phoenix, AZ, Phoenix comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 100 versus 107 for Chicago — a difference of approximately 7%.

State income tax impact

Chicago workers pay 4.95% Illinois state income tax, while Phoenix workers pay 2.5%.

Housing costs

The median home price in Chicago is $330,000, compared to $395,000 in Phoenix. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,650/month in Chicago versus $1,450/month in Phoenix.

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