City vs city
Chicago, IL vs Mesa, AZ
- Rent is 13% lower in Chicago (median $1,440/mo vs $1,620/mo in Mesa).
- Homes cost 22% less in Chicago ($334k vs $408k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $21 more a month after taxes and rent in Chicago.
- Schools rate higher in Mesa (4.9/10 vs 2.4/10).
- Mesa has milder winters (53°F vs 26°F average).
- Mesa gets more sun (294 vs 189 sunny days a year).
| Chicago | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,440/mo | $1,620/mo |
| Median home value | $334k | $408k |
| Median household income | $78k | $83k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,395 | $3,374 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 2.4/10 | 4.9/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.2× the US rate | 1.2× the US rate |
| Summer average | 85°F | 106°F |
| Winter average | 26°F | 53°F |
| Sunny days a year | 189 | 294 |
| Walk score | 77 | 42 |
| Population | 2,711,226 | 511,764 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
Not sure it's either one?
Tell the AI matcher your budget, job and dealbreakers, and get cities that fit, with the real numbers.
Find my city