Chicago vs Phoenix
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, state income tax, housing estimates, and salary equivalents between Chicago, IL and Phoenix, AZ.
Chicago, IL
COL Index
107
Monthly Budget
$5,350
State Tax
5.0%
Population
2.7M
Phoenix, AZ
COL Index
103
Monthly Budget
$5,150
State Tax
2.5%
Population
1.6M
Chicago is 4% more expensive than Phoenix
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household in each city.
| Category | Chicago | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,823 | $1,724 | +$99 |
| Groceries | $686 | $666 | +$20 |
| Transport | $850 | $822 | +$28 |
| Healthcare | $420 | $408 | +$12 |
| Utilities | $321 | $309 | +$12 |
| Other | $1,267 | $1,229 | +$38 |
| Total | $5,350 | $5,150 | +$200 |
Tax Comparison on $100K Salary
Estimated annual taxes for a single filer earning $100,000 in each city.
| Component | Chicago (IL) | Phoenix (AZ) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 | $0 |
| State Tax | $4,950 | $2,500 | +$2,450 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 | $0 |
| Total Tax | $25,770 | $23,320 | +$2,450 |
| Take-Home Pay | $74,230 | $76,680 | -$2,450 |
Salary Equivalent
What a Chicago salary is worth in Phoenix (and vice versa), adjusted for cost of living.
| Chicago Salary | Equivalent in Phoenix | Phoenix Salary | Equivalent in Chicago |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $48,131 | $50,000 | $51,942 |
| $75,000 | $72,196 | $75,000 | $77,913 |
| $100,000 | $96,262 | $100,000 | $103,883 |
| $150,000 | $144,393 | $150,000 | $155,825 |