Moving from Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ
Straight-line distance: 1,445 miles.
| Home size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $1,850 – $2,952 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $4,144 – $6,548 |
| 4+ bedroom house | $6,859 – $10,793 |
Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
How Phoenix compares to Chicago
On median home value, Chicago comes in at $304,500 — 10% lower than Phoenix, where the median is $340,200.
Typical households bring in $71,673 a year in Chicago, versus $72,092 in Phoenix.
Monthly rent typically costs $1,314 in Chicago and $1,322 in Phoenix.
FEMA rates both cities' overall hazard risk as "Very High."
Chicago, IL comes out ahead on housing affordability versus Phoenix, AZ, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,721,914 | 1,609,456 |
| Median home value | $304,500 | $340,200 |
| Median household income | $71,673 | $72,092 |
| Median gross rent | $1,314 | $1,322 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Very High |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.