Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Chandler, AZ (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Chandler

Arizona
134

Chicago is 25% cheaper than Chandler.

$1,380/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,806/mo ↑ 31%
$75,134/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$103,691/yr ↑ 38%
$315,200 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$469,800 ↑ 49%
$1,502/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,743/mo ↑ 16%
2,707,648
Population
278,123

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Chandler, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $426/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $5,112/year.

Median household income is $28,557/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $469,800 in Chandler.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Chandler — common questions

Is Chicago or Chandler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Chandler?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Chandler it's $1,806/month — a difference of $426/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Chandler?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $103,691 in Chandler. Median household income is $28,557/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Arizona?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Chandler?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Chandler has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,806/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Chandler details →

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