Chicago vs Fort Worth
Cost of Living (2026)

Fort Worth is 13% more affordable than Chicago. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Illinois's 4.95%.

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At a glance

Chicago, IL

COL index107
State income tax4.95%
Avg 1BR rent$1,650/mo
Median home price$330K
VS

Fort Worth, TX

COL index93 ✓
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,280/mo ✓
Median home price$315K ✓

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryChicago indexFort Worth indexDifference
Housing139121 ✓-18%
Groceries10189 ✓-12%
Transportation10290 ✓-12%
Healthcare10490 ✓-14%
Utilities10191 ✓-10%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Chicago → Fort Worth

What salary in Fort Worth gives you the same purchasing power as your Chicago salary?

Salary in ChicagoEquivalent in Fort WorthDifference
$60,000$48,000$-12,000
$80,000$65,000$-15,000
$100,000$81,000$-19,000
$130,000$105,000$-25,000
$150,000$121,000$-29,000
$200,000$162,000$-38,000

Chicago vs Fort Worth: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Chicago, IL and Fort Worth, TX, Fort Worth comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 93 versus 107 for Chicago — a difference of approximately 13%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Fort Worth workers an immediate 4.95% take-home pay advantage over Chicago workers who pay Illinois's 4.95% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in Chicago is $330,000, compared to $315,000 in Fort Worth. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,650/month in Chicago versus $1,280/month in Fort Worth.

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