Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Rock Island, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 13.1% more expensive than Rock Island, IL. This translates to spending an extra $985 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Rock Island, IL, you'd need approximately $161,825.238 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 29.5% more expensive than in Rock Island, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $827/month in Rock Island, IL.

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

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $985 more per month than Rock Island, IL, or $11825 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rock Island, IL vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Rock Island, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Madison, WI area

Current salary in Rock Island, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $985/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.8K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 13.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$985

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.8K

Per year

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

Rock Island, IL

Population:36K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$122K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:113

Median Home:$414K

Rock Island, IL

The Prairie State

36K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 36K 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: Rock Island, IL vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Rock Island, IL	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,154/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $635more	29.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,222/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $267more	21.8%
📦Other	$1,556/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $121more	7.8%
⚡All Utilities	$474/mo	$561/mo	↑ $87.53more	18.5%
🏥Healthcare	$670/mo	$589/mo	↓ $81.27less	12.1%
🛒Groceries	$894/mo	$963/mo	↑ $69.18more	7.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 29.5%

Rock Island, IL

$2,154

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$635

🚗Transportation

↑ 21.8%

Rock Island, IL

$1,222

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$267

📦Other

↑ 7.8%

Rock Island, IL

$1,556

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$121

⚡All Utilities

↑ 18.5%

Rock Island, IL

$474

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$87.53

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.1%

Rock Island, IL

$670

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$81.27

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.7%

Rock Island, IL

$894

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$69.18

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$591

To$1,390

↑ $799

1 Bed

From$672

To$1,510

↑ $838

2 Bed

From$827

To$1,750

↑ $923

3 Bed

From$1,085

To$2,330

↑ $1,245

Rock Island, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$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.

$6,970

Monthly in Rock Island, IL

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$1,098

Difference

Home Values

Rock Island

Phoenix

$122K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +3.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +19.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$122K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 240% more expensive than Rock Island

Calculate payment - Rock Island 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

Rock Island, 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

Rock Island, 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.