Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Decatur, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 13.4% more expensive than Decatur, IL. This translates to spending an extra $1004 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Decatur, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Decatur, IL, you'd need approximately $162,043.945 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Decatur, IL and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 42.4% more expensive than in Decatur, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,088/month in Decatur, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Decatur, IL to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $1004 more per month than Decatur, IL, or $12044 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Decatur, IL vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Decatur, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from St. Louis, MO area

Current salary in Decatur, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.0K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $162.0K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 13.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,004

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$12.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Decatur, IL

Population:69K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$99K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:113

Median Home:$414K

Decatur, IL

The Prairie State

69K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 69K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Decatur, IL vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Decatur, IL	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,958/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $831more	42.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,272/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $217more	17.1%
🏥Healthcare	$539/mo	$589/mo	↑ $49.93more	9.3%
⚡All Utilities	$548/mo	$561/mo	↑ $13.45more	2.5%
🛒Groceries	$971/mo	$963/mo	↓ $7.69less	0.8%
📦Other	$1,681/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $3.94less	0.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 42.4%

Decatur, IL

$1,958

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$831

🚗Transportation

↑ 17.1%

Decatur, IL

$1,272

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$217

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.3%

Decatur, IL

$539

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$49.93

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.5%

Decatur, IL

$548

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$13.45

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.8%

Decatur, IL

$971

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$7.69

less

📦Other

↓ 0.2%

Decatur, IL

$1,681

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$3.94

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$858

To$1,390

↑ $532

1 Bed

From$868

To$1,510

↑ $642

2 Bed

From$1,088

To$1,750

↑ $662

3 Bed

From$1,412

To$2,330

↑ $918

Decatur, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $730–$910/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,968

Monthly in Decatur, IL

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$1,100

Difference

Home Values

Decatur

Phoenix

$99K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +8.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +33.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$84K - $114K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 317% more expensive than Decatur

Calculate payment - Decatur Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$183

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

Decatur, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Decatur, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.