salaryAbout the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Mesa to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$1,826
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,712
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$89,248
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$408,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
103.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$1,604
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$168
👥 People living there
2,711,226
511,764
Commute to work
33.1 min
24.7 min
College degree
44.3%
32.5%
Own their home
46%
64.4%
Below poverty line
16.8%
10.3%
Unemployment
8%
4.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Mesa for lower rent, higher incomes, shorter commutes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Mesa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $31,200 | $47,530 | +52% in Mesa |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $61,210 | -40% in Mesa |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $63,750 | -38% in Mesa |
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $61,780 | -25% in Mesa |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $60,320 | -25% in Mesa |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $59,180 | -25% in Mesa |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $61,170 | -22% in Mesa |
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $85,050 | -21% in Mesa |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Chicago and Mesa cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Mesa to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $59,838 a year gives the same standard of living in Mesa.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Mesa?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $89,248 in Mesa, 6% more in Mesa.