Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than DeKalb, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 9.1% more expensive than DeKalb, IL. This translates to spending an extra $680 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in DeKalb, IL, you'd need approximately $158,154.325 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 15.4% more expensive than in DeKalb, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,302/month in DeKalb, IL.

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

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $680 more per month than DeKalb, IL, or $8154 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 DeKalb, IL — COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area + state data

Current salary in DeKalb, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $680/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.2K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 9.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$680

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.2K

Per year

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

DeKalb, IL

Population:40K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:109

Median Home:$414K

DeKalb, IL

The Prairie State

40K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 40K 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: DeKalb, IL vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	DeKalb, IL	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,416/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $373more	15.4%
📦Other	$1,539/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $139more	9.0%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$561/mo	↑ $75.50more	15.5%
🏥Healthcare	$556/mo	$589/mo	↑ $32.10more	5.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,471/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $18.18more	1.2%
🛒Groceries	$963/mo	$963/mo	↑ $0.32more	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 15.4%

DeKalb, IL

$2,416

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$373

📦Other

↑ 9.0%

DeKalb, IL

$1,539

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$139

⚡All Utilities

↑ 15.5%

DeKalb, IL

$486

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$75.50

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.8%

DeKalb, IL

$556

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$32.10

🚗Transportation

↑ 1.2%

DeKalb, IL

$1,471

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$18.18

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.0%

DeKalb, IL

$963

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$0.32

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$893

To$1,390

↑ $497

1 Bed

From$1,079

To$1,510

↑ $431

2 Bed

From$1,302

To$1,750

↑ $448

3 Bed

From$1,786

To$2,330

↑ $544

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.

$7,430

Monthly in DeKalb, IL

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$637

Difference

Home Values

DeKalb

Phoenix

Median Value

$414K

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

Price Range

$274K - $957K

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

DeKalb, 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

DeKalb, 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.