City Comparison
Chicago vs Peoria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Peoria scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Chicago
Peoria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Peoria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
11% lower than in Chicago.
Housing costs are a major driver: Chicago's average rent is
13% higher than Peoria's.
| Metric | Chicago | Peoria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,050 | $1,817 | +13% |
| Groceries | $450 | $400 | +13% |
| Utilities | $175 | $180 | -3% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $260 | $220 | +18% |
| Monthly Total | $3,065 | $2,737 | +12% |
| Cost Index | 118 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Chicago offers 8% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Peoria delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Chicago is estimated at
$60,000 vs $60,000 in Peoria.
| Metric | Chicago | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $72,000 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $60,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 66,102 idx | 69,903 idx |
| Household Income | $76,223 | $95,815 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Peoria runs warmer on average — a 25°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Peoria comes out ahead with 62 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Chicago sees 28.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Chicago | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.40°F | 76.40°F |
| Summer High | 81.00°F | 105.20°F |
| Winter Low | 19.00°F | 49.40°F |
| Rainfall | 32.80 in | 14.20 in |
| Snowfall | 28.50 in | 0.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 260 | 322 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 30.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Peoria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Chicago.
Chicago scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Chicago leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Chicago | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 75.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Walkability | 78.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Chicago is the larger city
— approximately 13.3x the population of Peoria.
From a growth perspective, Peoria is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Chicago has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Chicago | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,665,000 | 200,881 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.84% |
| Median Age | 35.5 | 41.7 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Chicago
Advantages
Extensive and reliable public transit network via the CTA 'L' trains and buses covering the entire city
World-class cultural attractions, including the Art Institute of Chicago and world-renowned dining options
18 miles of continuous public lakefront trail and numerous sandy beaches along Lake Michigan
Significantly more affordable housing compared to coastal tech hubs like New York and San Francisco
Diverse and resilient economy anchored by multiple Fortune 500 headquarters and major financial institutions
Drawbacks
Severe winter weather with freezing temperatures and significant snowfall averaging 28.5 inches annually
High property and sales taxes that contribute to a higher overall cost of living burden
Persistent violent crime challenges concentrated in specific neighborhoods on the south and west sides
Heavy traffic congestion on major expressways during peak morning and evening commuting hours
State pension obligations and local fiscal deficits that put pressure on municipal services and taxation
Peoria
Advantages
Named Best City for Business by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry in 2026.
Home to Amkor Technology's $7 billion advanced semiconductor campus creating thousands of high-wage jobs.
Consistently ranked among the safest cities in Arizona with low violent and property crime rates.
Abundant outdoor recreation, including Lake Pleasant and over 26 miles of mountain and multi-use trails.
High median household income ($95,815) and a well-educated workforce with top-tier public schools.
Drawbacks
Intense summer heat with average daily highs exceeding 105°F.
High level of car dependency with limited public mass transit options outside of major roadways.
Housing and rental costs have risen significantly, running moderately higher than the national average.
Historically a commuter suburb where a large share of the workforce still travels outside city limits for work.
Water resource management and desert conservation present ongoing long-term regional challenges.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Chicago
#531Illinois, USA
50.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,050
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
118
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
75.0/100
Walkability
78.0/100
Sunny Days
260/yr
Avg Temp
51.40°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
78
Business
74
Peoria
#76Arizona, USA
69.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,817
Avg Salary
$72,000
Cost Index
103
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
322/yr
Avg Temp
76.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.84%
Unemployment
4.90%
Livability
80
Business
85
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