Is Chicago, IL cheaper than Phoenix, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 4.7% more expensive than Phoenix, AZ. This translates to spending an extra $356 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Phoenix, AZ, you'd need approximately $154,273.256 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Chicago, IL is 10.0% more expensive than in Phoenix, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ.

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

Living in Chicago, IL costs approximately $356 more per month than Phoenix, AZ, or $4273 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Phoenix, AZ

Tap to swap

Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Phoenix, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $356/month more in Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.3K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↑ 4.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$356

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.3K

Per year

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$414K

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$305K

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

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Phoenix, AZ vs Chicago, IL

Category	Phoenix, AZ	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,788/mo	$3,066/mo	↑ $278more	10.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,680/mo	↑ $191more	12.8%
📦Other	$1,677/mo	$1,758/mo	↑ $80.35more	4.8%
🛒Groceries	$963/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $65.95more	6.8%
⚡All Utilities	$561/mo	$519/mo	↓ $42.07less	7.5%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$595/mo	↑ $6.20more	1.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 10.0%

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$278

🚗Transportation

↑ 12.8%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$191

📦Other

↑ 4.8%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$80.35

🛒Groceries

↑ 6.8%

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$65.95

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.5%

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$42.07

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.1%

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$6.20

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,390

To$1,600

↑ $210

1 Bed

From$1,510

To$1,710

↑ $200

2 Bed

From$1,750

To$1,925

↑ $175

3 Bed

From$2,330

To$2,480

↑ $150

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/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.

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$580

Difference

Home Values

Phoenix

Chicago

$414K

Median Value

$305K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +30.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$274K - $957K

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 26% less expensive than Phoenix

Calculate payment - Phoenix Calculate payment - Chicago

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$183

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

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

Chicago, 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

Additional Tax Information

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

💡 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.