Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Phoenix, AZ: Housing Market Comparison (2026)
Side-by-side Alpha Scores, affordability, momentum, supply, jobs, and rental yield · scores computed September 2026
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Phoenix, AZ side by side
| Metric | ● Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | ● Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Score | 39 | 35 |
| Price Momentum | 83 | 11 |
| Inventory Health | 13band 5 of 5 | 81band 5 of 5 |
| Affordability | 37 | 14 |
| Economic Strength | 25 | 27 |
| Rental Yield | 45 | 27 |
| Median Sale Price (Redfin) | — | $459K |
| Months of Supply (Redfin) | — | 4 |
Highlighted = the stronger read for that metric (supply, valuation, and payment burden are better when lower). Income/rent inputs lag annually.
How Chicago-Naperville-Elgin and Phoenix, AZ compare, dimension by dimension
- Affordability: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin leads — Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 37/100 vs Phoenix, AZ 14/100.
- Price Momentum: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin leads — Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 83/100 vs Phoenix, AZ 11/100.
- Inventory Health: Phoenix, AZ leads — Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 13/100 vs Phoenix, AZ 81/100.
- Economic Strength: Phoenix, AZ leads — Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 25/100 vs Phoenix, AZ 27/100.
- Rental Yield: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin leads — Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 45/100 vs Phoenix, AZ 27/100.
Frequently asked questions
Which has a higher Alpha Score, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin or Phoenix, AZ?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin scores higher — 39 vs 35 out of 100. The Alpha Score is a 0-100 composite of price momentum, inventory health, affordability, economic strength, and rental yield.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin or Phoenix, AZ more affordable?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is more affordable on our affordability dimension.
Which housing market has stronger momentum, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin or Phoenix, AZ?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has stronger price momentum — 83/100 vs 11/100.
Want to swap in other cities, change the metrics, or chart the trend over time? Customize this comparison → in the interactive Compare tool. Or read the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin market brief and the Phoenix, AZ brief.