Median rent is 22% lower in Tucson ($1,079/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Tucson, where the median home runs $242,200 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $54,546 a year). Taken together, Tucson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 90.6 against 105.7 — about 14% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Tucson is 14% cheaper overall
Cost index: 90.6 in Tucson vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Tucson, AZ
How much would you need to earn in Tucson, AZ to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Tucson, AZ
$64,252
You could earn $10,748 less (14% 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
Tucson
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Tucson — median rent of $1,079/mo versus $1,380/mo in Chicago, a 22% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $242,200 in Tucson — 23% more expensive.
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 Tucson is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 5.60% in Arizona; Tucson has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Tucson
Income tax: 2.50%
Sales tax: 5.60%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 38.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Tucson if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 90.6 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Tucson if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,079/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Is Chicago cheaper than Tucson?
Tucson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 90.6 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 14% lower in Tucson.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Tucson?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,079/mo in Tucson, AZ. Tucson, AZ has the lower rent by about 22%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Tucson?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $54,546 in Tucson, AZ. Chicago, IL 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 38.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Tucson?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Arizona's is 2.50%. Tucson, AZ has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Tucson to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $85,669 in Tucson, 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