Is Chicago, IL cheaper than Dallas, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 7.0% more expensive than Dallas, TX. This translates to spending an extra $527 per month.

What salary do I need in Chicago, IL to live like I do in Dallas, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Dallas, TX, you'd need approximately $156,326.733 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Dallas, TX and Chicago, IL?

Housing in Chicago, IL is 28.3% more expensive than in Dallas, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $1,765/month in Dallas, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Dallas, TX to Chicago, IL?

Living in Chicago, IL costs approximately $527 more per month than Dallas, TX, or $6327 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Dallas, TX

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Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Dallas, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $527/month more in Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.3K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 7.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$527

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$292K

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$305K

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Dallas, TX vs Chicago, IL

Category	Dallas, TX	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,391/mo	$3,066/mo	↑ $676more	28.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,680/mo	↑ $382more	29.5%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $49.96more	5.1%
⚡All Utilities	$563/mo	$519/mo	↓ $43.71less	7.8%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$595/mo	↓ $37.17less	5.9%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $16.74less	0.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 28.3%

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$676

🚗Transportation

↑ 29.5%

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$382

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.1%

Dallas, TX

$979

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$49.96

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.8%

Dallas, TX

$563

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$43.71

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.9%

Dallas, TX

$632

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$37.17

less

📦Other

↓ 0.9%

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$16.74

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,450

To$1,600

↑ $150

1 Bed

From$1,505

To$1,710

↑ $205

2 Bed

From$1,765

To$1,925

↑ $160

3 Bed

From$2,220

To$2,480

↑ $260

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/mo

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$1,010

Difference

Home Values

Dallas

Chicago

$292K

Median Value

$305K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +27.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$138K - $2.01M

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 5% more expensive than Dallas

Calculate payment - Dallas Calculate payment - Chicago

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$619

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.9%

Rate difference

Dallas, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Additional Tax Information

Dallas, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.