City Comparison · 2026
Chicago vs Phoenix
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Chicago = $81k in Phoenix
Metric
Chicago
Phoenix
COL Index
1.38
✓1.12
1BR Monthly Rent
$2,000/mo
✓$1,450/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$2,600/mo
✓$1,820/mo
State Income Tax
IL
AZ
$100k Take-Home
$73,786
✓$76,236
$100k Effective Rate
26.21%
✓23.76%
$100k Savings Potential
$49,786
✓$58,836
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Chicago IL | Phoenix AZ |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $47,278 $3,940/mo · 21.2% eff. | $48,748 $4,062/mo · 18.75% eff. |
| $100,000 | $73,786 $6,149/mo · 26.21% eff. | $76,236 $6,353/mo · 23.76% eff. |
| $150,000 | $105,853 $8,821/mo · 29.43% eff. | $109,528 $9,127/mo · 26.98% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Phoenix cheaper to live in?
Chicago has a cost-of-living index of 1.38 while Phoenix is 1.12 (1.00 = US average). Phoenix is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Chicago is $2,000/month vs $1,450/month in Phoenix.
How much more do you need to earn in Chicago vs Phoenix?
$100k in Chicago = $81k in Phoenix. Cost of living in Phoenix is lower by 18.8%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Chicago or Phoenix?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $73,786 in IL (Chicago) and $76,236 in AZ (Phoenix). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $49,786 in Chicago vs $58,836 in Phoenix.
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