Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Dallas is 4% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $72,196 in Dallas.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Dallas sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $310,000 in Dallas, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,500 in Dallas.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Dallas scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Dallas (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $54,747 in Dallas. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Dallas.
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