Median rent is 5% lower in Chandler ($1,806/mo vs $1,896/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chandler, where the median home runs $469,800 versus $483,400. Households earn more in Chandler ($103,691 vs $103,207 a year). Taken together, Hillsboro is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.6 against 103.9 — about 0% lower overall prices.
City A
Chandler, AZ
City B
Hillsboro, OR
How much would you need to earn in Hillsboro, OR to maintain your standard of living from Chandler, AZ?
Equivalent salary in Hillsboro, OR
$74,821
You could earn $179 less (0% lower) and break even.
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
Hillsboro
Oregon
👥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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,806/mo in Chandler and $1,896/mo in Hillsboro. Median home values are within 3% of each other: $469,800 in Chandler and $483,400 in Hillsboro.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Arizona's top income tax rate is 2.50% versus 9.90% in Oregon, so Chandler is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 5.60% in Arizona and 0.00% in Oregon; Hillsboro has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chandler
Income tax: 2.50%
Sales tax: 5.60%
Hillsboro
Income tax: 9.90%
Sales tax: None
Air quality data is available for Chandler (avg AQI 67.0) but not yet for Hillsboro.
Pick Chandler if you prioritize lower state income tax (2.50%).
Is Chandler cheaper than Hillsboro?
Hillsboro is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.6 versus 103.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Hillsboro.
How much is rent in Chandler vs Hillsboro?
Median rent is $1,806/mo in Chandler, AZ and $1,896/mo in Hillsboro, OR. Chandler, AZ has the lower rent by about 5%.
Which has higher salaries — Chandler or Hillsboro?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler, AZ and $103,207 in Hillsboro, OR. 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Chandler or Hillsboro?
Arizona's top income tax rate is 2.50% and Oregon's is 9.90%. Chandler, AZ has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Hillsboro to match my Chandler income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chandler, AZ is equivalent to roughly $99,761 in Hillsboro, OR (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