Chicago, IL vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Chicago, IL and Phoenix, AZ. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Chicago, IL
IL
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 105.7
- Housing RPP
- 110.9
- Goods RPP
- 106.7
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,714/mo
Illinois flat income tax 4.95%. Chicago city tax adds ~2.25% effective burden.
Phoenix, AZ
AZ
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 103.7
- Housing RPP
- 122.9
- Goods RPP
- 98.3
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,877/mo
Arizona income tax 2.5% flat rate (since 2023). No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
Phoenix, AZ is cheaper than Chicago, IL by about 1.9% (RPP 105.7 to 103.7).
$60,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $58,865
in Phoenix, AZ
$100,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $98,108
in Phoenix, AZ
$150,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $147,162
in Phoenix, AZ
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper or more expensive than Chicago, IL?
- Phoenix, AZ (RPP 103.7) is cheaper than Chicago, IL (RPP 105.7) by about 1.9%.
- What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ if I earn $100,000 in Chicago, IL?
- You would need approximately $98,108 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Chicago, IL. Formula: $100,000 x (103.7 / 105.7).