Side-by-side comparison

Chicago vs Tucson

Cost of living comparison for Chicago, Illinois and Tucson, Arizona.

Bottom line

Chicago is approximately 25% more expensive than Tucson. A single person needs about $3,707/mo in Chicago versus $2,971/mo in Tucson.

Rent in Chicago vs Tucson

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Chicago · Studio

$1,458

Tucson · Studio

$941

Chicago is $517 (55%) higher than Tucson

Chicago · 1 bedroom

$1,560

Tucson · 1 bedroom

$1,052

Chicago is $508 (48%) higher than Tucson

Chicago · 2 bedroom

$1,761

Tucson · 2 bedroom

$1,373

Chicago is $388 (28%) higher than Tucson

Chicago · 3 bedroom

$2,262

Tucson · 3 bedroom

$1,924

Chicago is $338 (18%) higher than Tucson

Income & earnings in Chicago vs Tucson

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Chicago · Household income

$81,797

Tucson · Household income

$67,929

Chicago is $13,868 (20%) higher than Tucson

Chicago · Individual earnings

$49,298

Tucson · Individual earnings

$37,642

Chicago is $11,656 (31%) higher than Tucson

Chicago · Per capita

$47,801

Tucson · Per capita

$38,564

Chicago is $9,237 (24%) higher than Tucson

Home values in Chicago vs Tucson

Average values and property tax.

Chicago · Average home value

$305,200

Tucson · Average home value

$286,900

Chicago is $18,300 (6%) higher than Tucson

Chicago · Annual property tax

$6,053

Tucson · Annual property tax

$2,248

Chicago is $3,805 (169%) higher than Tucson

Energy in Chicago vs Tucson

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Chicago · Monthly electricity

$116

Tucson · Monthly electricity

$150

Tucson is $34 (29%) higher than Chicago

Chicago · Monthly gas

$61

Tucson · Monthly gas

$39

Chicago is $22 (56%) higher than Tucson

Chicago · Annual total

$2,124

Tucson · Annual total

$2,268

Tucson is $144 (7%) higher than Chicago

Healthcare in Chicago vs Tucson

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Chicago · Individual premium

$480

Tucson · Individual premium

$480

Chicago and Tucson are about the same

Chicago · Family premium

$1,350

Tucson · Family premium

$1,350

Chicago and Tucson are about the same

Chicago · Uninsured rate

9.0%

Tucson · Uninsured rate

8.9%

Chicago is 0.1% (1%) higher than Tucson

Taxes in Chicago vs Tucson

State income and sales tax.

Chicago · State income tax

5.0%

Tucson · State income tax

2.5%

Chicago is 2.5% (98%) higher than Tucson

Chicago · State sales tax

6.3%

Tucson · State sales tax

5.6%

Chicago is 0.7% (12%) higher than Tucson

Chicago · Combined sales tax

8.8%

Tucson · Combined sales tax

8.4%

Chicago is 0.5% (5%) higher than Tucson

Transportation in Chicago vs Tucson

Commute time and travel modes.

Chicago · Average commute

31.9 min

Tucson · Average commute

24.4 min

Chicago is 7.5 min (31%) higher than Tucson

Chicago · Drive alone

56.2%

Tucson · Drive alone

70.7%

Tucson is 14.5% (26%) higher than Chicago

Chicago · Public transit

13.0%

Tucson · Public transit

1.6%

Chicago is 11.4% (713%) higher than Tucson

Monthly cost estimates in Chicago vs Tucson

All categories combined.

Chicago · Single person

$3,707

Tucson · Single person

$2,971

Chicago is $736 (25%) higher than Tucson

Chicago · Couple

$5,165

Tucson · Couple

$4,443

Chicago is $722 (16%) higher than Tucson

Chicago · Family

$7,811

Tucson · Family

$7,144

Chicago is $667 (9%) higher than Tucson

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Chicago and Tucson.

Is Chicago or Tucson more expensive?

Chicago is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $3,707/mo in Chicago, Illinois and $2,971/mo in Tucson, Arizona, a difference of about 25%.

What is the rent difference between Chicago and Tucson?

Average one-bedroom rent in Chicago, Illinois is $1,560/mo versus $1,052/mo in Tucson, Arizona. Chicago is approximately $508 (48%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Chicago or Tucson?

Chicago has the higher average household income. Chicago households earn approximately $81,797 per year; Tucson households earn approximately $67,929 per year.

More on Chicago and Tucson

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

Chicago profile Tucson profile Compare different areas

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.