Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Phoenix is 7% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $70,093 in Phoenix.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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