Chicago vs Tucson: cost of living compared
Tucson is 25% cheaper than Chicago overall. State income tax tops out around 2.5% in AZ vs 4.95% in IL.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving from Chicago to Tucson generally means a noticeable reduction in overall living expenses. Tucson's cost of living is considerably lower than the national average, while Chicago's is notably higher. This significant difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which present a substantial gap between the two metros, though other categories also contribute to the overall savings found in the Arizona desert.
Housing
Housing costs are significantly different, with both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents being substantially lower in Tucson. Chicago's housing market is closer to the national average, while Tucson's is well below it. Beyond purchase price, property taxes are typically higher in Chicago, reflecting its older, denser urban core, while Tucson's housing stock often features more modern, sprawling developments.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, and healthcare are all noticeably lower in Tucson. However, utilities are an exception, being slightly higher in Tucson, likely due to climate control needs. State income tax is also considerably lower in Arizona, contributing to more disposable income. Commute times are shorter in Tucson, suggesting less time and expense spent on daily travel.
Lifestyle trade-offs
The lifestyle shift is substantial, moving from Chicago's four distinct seasons and dense urban environment to Tucson's desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Chicago offers extensive public transit, while Tucson is more car-dependent. The pace of life in Tucson is generally perceived as more relaxed, with a focus on outdoor activities, contrasting with Chicago's bustling metropolitan energy and lakefront amenities.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, relocating from Chicago to Tucson presents a clear opportunity for substantial cost savings across most major spending categories. The most significant financial advantage comes from housing, but reduced transportation, food, and healthcare expenses, coupled with a lower state income tax burden, collectively create a much more affordable budget in the desert Southwest, despite slightly higher utility costs.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 88 |
| Housing index | 97 | 78 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 89 |
| Food index | 105 | 90 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 102 | 108 |
| Misc index | 108 | 82 |
| Median home price | $318,000 | $278,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 25 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Tucson home with the True Cost Calculator.