Median rent is 7% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,478/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $364,300. Households earn more in Mesa ($78,779 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Mesa 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 Mesa, AZ.
Quick verdict
Mesa is 2% cheaper overall
Cost index: 103.9 in Mesa vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Mesa, AZ
How much would you need to earn in Mesa, AZ to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Mesa, AZ
$73,707
You could earn $1,293 less (2% 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
Chicago
Illinois
Mesa
Arizona
👥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 rent is modestly lower in Chicago at $1,380/mo compared to $1,478/mo in Mesa (7% gap). Median home values are within 13% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $364,300 in Mesa.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 2.50% in Arizona, so Mesa is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 5.60% in Arizona; Mesa has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Mesa
Income tax: 2.50%
Sales tax: 5.60%
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 Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Pick Mesa if you prioritize lower state income tax (2.50%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Mesa?
Mesa 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 Mesa.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Mesa?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,478/mo in Mesa, AZ. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 7%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Mesa?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $78,779 in Mesa, AZ. Mesa, 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 — Chicago or Mesa?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Arizona's is 2.50%. Mesa, AZ has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Mesa to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $98,276 in Mesa, AZ (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