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