Median rent is 24% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,806/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $469,800. Households earn more in Chandler ($103,691 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Chandler is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.9 against 105.7 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chandler, AZ.
Quick verdict
Chandler is 2% cheaper overall
Cost index: 103.9 in Chandler vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chandler, AZ
City B
Chicago, IL
How much would you need to earn in Chicago, IL to maintain your standard of living from Chandler, AZ?
Equivalent salary in Chicago, IL
$76,315
You'd need $1,315 more (2% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Chandler
Arizona
Chicago
Illinois
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Chicago — median rent of $1,380/mo versus $1,806/mo in Chandler, a 24% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chandler: the median home is $469,800 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 33% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Arizona's top income tax rate is 2.50% versus 4.95% in Illinois, so Chandler is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 5.60% in Arizona and 6.25% in Illinois; Chandler has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chandler
Income tax: 2.50%
Sales tax: 5.60%
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 67.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Chandler if you prioritize higher median household income ($103,691/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Pick Chandler if you prioritize lower state income tax (2.50%).
Is Chandler cheaper than Chicago?
Chandler is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.9 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in Chandler.
How much is rent in Chandler vs Chicago?
Median rent is $1,806/mo in Chandler, AZ and $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 24%.
Which has higher salaries — Chandler or Chicago?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler, AZ and $75,134 in Chicago, IL. Chandler, AZ has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 67.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chandler or Chicago?
Arizona's top income tax rate is 2.50% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Chandler, AZ has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Chandler income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chandler, AZ is equivalent to roughly $101,754 in Chicago, IL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology