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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Chicago is 39% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,380/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 38%
$75,134/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 43%
$315,200 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 125%
$1,502/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 21%
2,707,648
Population
242,169

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
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $530/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $6,360/year.

Median household income is $32,238/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Chicago or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $530/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $32,238/year higher in Scottsdale.
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 Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Scottsdale

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk