Irving vs Chicago
Cost of Living (2026)

Irving is 10% less expensive than Chicago. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Illinois's 4.95%.

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At a glance

Irving, TX

COL index97 ✓
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,350/mo ✓
Median home price$360K
VS

Chicago, IL

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

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryIrving indexChicago indexDifference
Housing126 ✓139+13%
Groceries92 ✓101+9%
Transportation93 ✓102+9%
Healthcare94 ✓104+10%
Utilities94 ✓101+7%

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

Salary equivalency: Irving → Chicago

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

Salary in IrvingEquivalent in ChicagoDifference
$60,000$71,000+$11,000
$80,000$95,000+$15,000
$100,000$119,000+$19,000
$130,000$154,000+$24,000
$150,000$178,000+$28,000
$200,000$237,000+$37,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Irving, TX and Chicago, IL, Irving comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 97 versus 107 for Chicago — a difference of approximately 10%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Irving 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 Irving is $360,000, compared to $330,000 in Chicago. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,350/month in Irving versus $1,650/month in Chicago.

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