Chicago, Illinois, a city steeped in history, culture and economic significance, versus Phoenix, Arizona, known for its warm climate and scenic beauty. Both cities present different living experiences depending on personal preference. When considering aspects like crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, healthcare, and several other factors, the contrasts can be stark.
Distance between
Chicago, IL and
Phoenix, AZ : 1,445.8 miles
Chicago's population is larger by 66%. Its population has decreased by 199,461 people (6.9%) since 2000. The population of Phoenix has grown by 303,524 people (23.0%) during that time.
Chicago has been spotlighted due to its higher crime rates, particularly violence and gun crime. However, this is concentrated in specific areas, while many neighborhoods are very safe. Phoenix, on the other hand, has a lower crime rate overall compared to national averages, making it generally safer, though crime varies by neighborhood as anywhere.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,391 registered sex offenders living in Chicago and 3,582 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Chicago is 798 to 1; the ratio in Phoenix is 451 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Chicago than in Phoenix.
Cost of Living
Chicago is relatively expensive, with higher costs for housing, utilities, and groceries compared to national averages. Phoenix's cost of living is a bit lower with housing costs significantly lower than Chicago, making it a more affordable option overall.
Income Tax
Illinois imposes a flat state income tax rate, affecting Chicago residents, whereas Arizona's income tax is progressive, with rates depending on income.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are also higher in Chicago compared to Phoenix, possibly influencing home ownership decisions.
Sales Tax
Chicago residents face a high combined city and state sales tax rate of 10.25%. Phoenix has a lower combined rate of 8.6%.
Income
Type
Chicago
Phoenix
Estimated median household income
$66,576
$68,435
Estimated per capita income
$43,217
$35,073
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
104.8
101.2
If you make $50,000 in Phoenix, you will have to make $51,779 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Chicago, a flat and sprawling city on the edge of Lake Michigan, offers plenty of green spaces and lakefront activities. Phoenix is a desert city surrounded by mountains and unique desert landscapes, offering myriad outdoor adventures.
Both cities offer excellent education opportunities. Chicago has a diverse range of top-quality schools and universities, including the University of Chicago. Phoenix also has some top-rated schools and hosts the well-regarded Arizona State University (ASU).
Chicago houses a diverse economy with strength in industries such as finance, manufacturing, and healthcare. Phoenix's economy is growing, with notable job growth in sectors like healthcare, finance, and tech. Both have strong job markets, but Chicago's is larger and more diverse.
Biggest Employers
In Chicago, some of the major employers are J.P. Morgan, Walgreens, and Boeing. In contrast, Phoenix houses employers like Banner Health, Walmart, and Wells Fargo.
There were 414 building permits issued in Chicago in 2012 (200 more than in 2011) compared to 4,922 building permits issued in Phoenix in 2012 (3970 more than in 2011).
In Chicago (Cook County), 74.0% voted for Democrats and 24.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Chicago
Phoenix
Chicago
Phoenix
Chicago
Phoenix
2020
74.6%
50.2%
24.1%
48.0%
1.3%
1.8%
2016
74.4%
44.9%
20.9%
47.7%
4.7%
7.5%
2012
74.0%
43.6%
24.6%
54.3%
1.4%
2.1%
2008
76.4%
44.0%
22.9%
54.5%
0.7%
1.5%
2004
70.3%
42.4%
29.2%
57.0%
0.6%
0.6%
2000
69.0%
43.0%
28.8%
53.4%
2.3%
3.6%
1996
66.8%
44.5%
26.7%
47.2%
6.5%
8.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Chicago
Phoenix
Chicago
Phoenix
CATHOLIC CHURCH
37.5%
13.6%
11.1%
4.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.9%
0.2%
1.8%
1.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.8%
4.3%
2.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
1.9%
5.4%
6.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.5%
3.6%
1.5%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.4%
0.2%
1.6%
0.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
1.8%
1.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.9%
2.0%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
0.3%
0.2%
0.6%
Weather
The weather compares vastly different. Chicago endures cold winters with notable snowfall, while summers are hot and humid. On the other hand, Phoenix is renowned for its warm, dry climate. Winters are mild, but summers can be extremely hot, reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Weather and climate
Type
Chicago
Phoenix
Temperature - Average
50.3°F
71.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
37.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
48%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
60%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
54%
12%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.8 in
8.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
77.6 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14%
35.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.8%
92.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
68%
95%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
35%
79%
Wind speed - Average
10.7 mph
6.6 mph
Average climate in Chicago, Illinois
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Chicago
Phoenix
Chicago
Phoenix
Chicago
Phoenix
Chicago
Phoenix
Chicago
Chicago
Phoenix
Chicago
Phoenix
Chicago
Phoenix
2018
97
156
0.26
0.38
14.3
15.2
26.2
28.5
N/A
N/A
23.6
34.8
9.3
8.6
1.7
0.6
2017
95
120
0.25
0.41
14.3
15.9
26.4
28.6
N/A
N/A
25.1
34.9
8.7
7.6
1.4
1.4
2016
95
114
0.21
0.44
14.9
15.8
26.5
27.3
N/A
N/A
17.3
30.6
9.1
7.7
0.8
0.4
2015
92
102
0.51
0.46
15.0
17.6
25.4
27.1
N/A
N/A
23.3
26.2
10.5
7.9
0.9
0.9
2014
101
117
0.45
0.46
18.0
19.6
25.1
27.6
N/A
N/A
28.9
37.0
10.7
8.5
1.3
1.1
2013
100
130
0.37
0.43
18.3
19.9
23.8
27.9
N/A
N/A
30.3
35.3
11.1
8.4
1.0
0.9
2012
112
157
0.36
0.44
18.8
21.2
25.7
28.1
N/A
N/A
31.3
41.9
12.1
8.8
1.7
1.3
2011
101
203
0.38
0.47
18.6
20.0
24.8
28.3
N/A
N/A
21.9
41.3
12.8
9.6
2.4
0.9
2010
103
100
0.37
0.48
20.4
19.9
25.4
26.9
N/A
N/A
22.2
31.2
12.9
8.3
1.4
0.9
2009
106
108
0.29
0.52
20.0
20.1
22.4
25.6
0.025
N/A
20.1
38.2
12.9
N/A
1.4
1.8
2008
108
106
0.32
0.48
22.8
21.4
22.8
26.6
0.026
N/A
22.7
39.6
12.5
N/A
1.8
2.4
2007
125
129
0.34
0.54
23.6
23.5
23.9
25.2
0.027
N/A
25.9
47.6
13.1
N/A
2.2
2.4
2006
95
131
0.31
0.66
23.0
25.3
21.1
24.4
0.029
N/A
22.0
50.8
N/A
N/A
2.6
2.3
2005
110
109
0.55
0.74
23.5
25.9
23.3
22.2
0.027
N/A
26.2
44.6
N/A
N/A
3.3
2.5
2004
85
98
0.83
0.77
23.9
25.5
20.3
23.4
0.032
N/A
23.4
32.8
N/A
N/A
4.1
1.4
2003
99
101
0.69
0.90
25.1
26.8
20.0
23.7
0.030
N/A
23.3
42.6
N/A
N/A
3.1
1.4
2002
114
111
0.83
0.98
26.5
28.7
20.8
23.6
0.029
N/A
24.4
41.8
N/A
N/A
3.3
1.6
2001
107
106
0.83
1.00
27.3
28.6
19.2
22.3
0.031
N/A
28.5
37.8
N/A
N/A
4.3
1.5
2000
104
117
0.88
1.14
24.8
29.9
17.6
24.6
0.046
N/A
N/A
45.6
N/A
N/A
4.2
1.7
Natural disasters
Type
Chicago
Phoenix
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
145.8%
18.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
136.9%
2,597.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
20%
16%
Transportation
Chicago's transit system is robust and includes the "L" train system, buses, and a good network of bike lanes. Phoenix relies heavily on cars, with less comprehensive public transportation.
Transport
Type
Chicago
Phoenix
Amtrak stations
1
3
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
15
Means of transportation to work
Type
Chicago
Phoenix
Bicycle
1.6%
0.4%
Bus
8%
1.8%
Carpooled
8.3%
12.2%
Car alone
62.3%
81.8%
Motorcycle
0%
0.4%
Railroad
0.2%
0.2%
Streetcar
6.8%
0%
Subway
3.5%
0%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.1%
Walked
5.9%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Chicago
Phoenix
Average
36.9 min
28.6 min
Other means
33.1 min
26.4 min
Public transportation
44.8 min
45.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Chicago
Phoenix
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.7%
86.4%
In 2 person carpool
9.3%
9.6%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
2%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
1.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Chicago can be costly, especially in desirable downtown areas. In Phoenix, home prices are more affordable on average, and the city's growth has led to new housing developments.
Neighborhoods
Chicago is known for its diverse neighborhoods each offering a unique cultural experience. Phoenix also has visually appealing neighborhoods, each with a distinct Southwestern charm.
Houses and residents
Type
Chicago
Phoenix
Houses
1,272,191
644,625
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.8
Median year apartment built
1955
1987
Median year house/condo built
1951
1983
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.7 years
11.1 years
Houses occupied
1,139,537 (89.6%)
602,039 (93.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
530,977 (46.6%)
354,237 (58.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
608,560 (53.4%)
247,802 (41.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,546
$1,605
Median monthly housing costs
$1,356
$1,284
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$355,671
$375,817
Estimated median house or condo value
$297,300
$352,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.8
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$357,707
$452,968
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$345,352
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$477,161
$229,335
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$439,589
$299,875
Median house price - mobile homes
$472,017
$159,046
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$235,959
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$518,665
$300,398
Median house price - All housing units
$388,874
$429,075
Median house age
70
36
Renting percentage
55.1%
42.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,601.1
1,357.5
House value disparities
35.6%
30.8%
Household income disparities
48.4%
43.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$110,175
$96,609
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,495
$63,626
Housing units without a mortgage
6,624 (1.9%)
3,634 (1.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
17,661 (5.1%)
12,949 (5.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
339,523 (98.1%)
246,434 (98.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
808 (0.2%)
624 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
25,416 (7.3%)
16,890 (6.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
2
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.5%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.8%
0.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Chicago
Phoenix
One, detached
26.4%
60.3%
One, attached
3.5%
4.9%
Two
13.3%
1.4%
3 or 4
14.0%
4.4%
5 to 9
11.0%
5.0%
10 to 19
4.6%
5.3%
20 to 49
6.5%
4.1%
50 or more
20.6%
11.3%
Mobile homes
0.2%
3.1%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
67,964
48,122
State government workers
41,316
30,385
Unpaid family workers
4,164
1,048
Industries and Occupations
Chicago holds its firm position in finance, publishing, food processing, and manufacturing sectors. Phoenix, meanwhile, is seeing growth in tech, healthcare, and tourism industries.
Both cities have excellent healthcare facilities. Chicago houses renowned hospitals like the Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Phoenix, likewise, is home to the highly-ranked Mayo Clinic.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Chicago
Phoenix
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Chicago boasts extensive infrastructure, including a comprehensive public transit system. Phoenix's infrastructure is more dependent on automobiles and highways but includes the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country.
Infrastructure
Type
Chicago
Phoenix
Hospitals
86
48
TV stations
22
22
Arenas or stadiums
7
2
Bank branches located here
740
263
Bank institutions located here
99
41
Main business address for public companies
110
41
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
22
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Chicago
Phoenix
1999
7,501
5,846
2000
8,763
4,847
2001
7,090
3,823
2002
7,745
3,472
2003
10,485
5,750
2004
14,761
9,848
2005
24,041
15,879
2006
29,365
18,392
2007
17,767
9,797
2008
8,601
3,130
2009
3,506
1,614
Culture and Food
Chicago is famous for its diverse cultural scenes, world-class museums, and iconic foods like Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs. Phoenix, with its Southwestern cuisine and vibrant arts scenes, offers a different yet equally tempting appeal.
Sports Teams
Chicago houses well-known sports teams across the board, including the Chicago Bulls (NBA), Blackhawks (NHL), Bears (NFL), and Cubs (MLB). Phoenix is home to the Suns (NBA), Cardinals (NFL), and Diamondbacks (MLB).
Chicago, IL
Phoenix, AZ
