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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Tucson

Arizona
76

Chicago is 32% more expensive than Tucson.

$1,380/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,079/mo ↓ 22%
$75,134/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$54,546/yr ↓ 27%
$315,200 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$242,200 ↓ 23%
$1,502/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,076/mo ↓ 28%
2,707,648
Population
543,348

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
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Tucson, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $20,588/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $242,200 in Tucson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Tucson — common questions

Is Chicago or Tucson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Tucson?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Tucson it's $1,079/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Tucson?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $54,546 in Tucson. Median household income is $20,588/year higher in Chicago.
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 Tucson?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Tucson has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,079/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Tucson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Tucson

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