Dallas vs Chicago
Cost of Living (2026)

Dallas is 11% less expensive than Chicago. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Illinois's 4.95%.

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At a glance

Dallas, TX

COL index96 ✓
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,380/mo ✓
Median home price$340K
VS

Chicago, IL

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

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryDallas indexChicago indexDifference
Housing125 ✓139+14%
Groceries91 ✓101+10%
Transportation92 ✓102+10%
Healthcare93 ✓104+11%
Utilities93 ✓101+8%

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

Salary equivalency: Dallas → Chicago

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

Salary in DallasEquivalent in ChicagoDifference
$60,000$72,000+$12,000
$80,000$96,000+$16,000
$100,000$120,000+$20,000
$130,000$156,000+$26,000
$150,000$180,000+$30,000
$200,000$240,000+$40,000

Dallas vs Chicago: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Dallas, TX and Chicago, IL, Dallas comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 96 versus 107 for Chicago — a difference of approximately 11%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas 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 Dallas is $340,000, compared to $330,000 in Chicago. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,380/month in Dallas versus $1,650/month in Chicago.

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