Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Waukegan, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 5.1% more expensive than Waukegan, IL. This translates to spending an extra $385 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Waukegan, IL, you'd need approximately $154,623.968 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 11.3% more expensive than in Waukegan, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,258/month in Waukegan, IL.

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

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $385 more per month than Waukegan, IL, or $4624 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Waukegan, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Waukegan, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $385/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.6K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↑ 5.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$385

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.6K

Per year

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

Waukegan, IL

Population:88K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$250K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$414K

Waukegan, IL

The Prairie State

88K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 88K 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: Waukegan, IL vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Waukegan, IL	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,506/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $282more	11.3%
📦Other	$1,596/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $81.32more	5.1%
⚡All Utilities	$495/mo	$561/mo	↑ $66.52more	13.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,526/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $36.70less	2.4%
🏥Healthcare	$567/mo	$589/mo	↑ $21.82more	3.8%
🛒Groceries	$981/mo	$963/mo	↓ $17.47less	1.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 11.3%

Waukegan, IL

$2,506

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$282

📦Other

↑ 5.1%

Waukegan, IL

$1,596

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$81.32

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.4%

Waukegan, IL

$495

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$66.52

🚗Transportation

↓ 2.4%

Waukegan, IL

$1,526

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$36.70

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.8%

Waukegan, IL

$567

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$21.82

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.8%

Waukegan, IL

$981

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$17.47

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,042

To$1,390

↑ $348

1 Bed

From$1,119

To$1,510

↑ $391

2 Bed

From$1,258

To$1,750

↑ $492

3 Bed

From$1,621

To$2,330

↑ $709

Waukegan, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,450–$1,450/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.

$7,670

Monthly in Waukegan, IL

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$398

Difference

Home Values

Waukegan

Phoenix

$250K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +7.6%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +55.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$250K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 65% more expensive than Waukegan

Calculate payment - Waukegan 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

Waukegan, 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

Waukegan, 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.