Chinle, AZ vs Show Low, AZ

The cost of living difference between Chinle, AZ and Show Low, AZ is dramatic. Chinle is 41% cheaper than Show Low, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Chinle has a cost index of 52 while Show Low sits at 88, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Chinle is $504/month compared to $1,055/month in Show Low — a 52% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chinle is more affordable at $38,000 median vs $275,000.

Median household income in Chinle is $46,458 compared to $63,376 in Show Low (-26.7%). The higher salaries in Show Low partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Chinle spend roughly 13% of their income on rent, less than the 20% in Show Low.