Dallas vs Chicago: Cost of Living Comparison
Compare cost of living between Dallas, TX and Chicago, IL. Side-by-side breakdown of housing costs, rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, state taxes, and salary equivalents.
vs
City A
Dallas
Texas
Cost Index103.1
Median Rent$1,472/mo
Median Income$71K
State TaxNone
Average
City B
Chicago
Illinois
Cost Index103.6
Median Rent$1,440/mo
Median Income$78K
State Tax4.95%
Average
Better value overall
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much would you need in Chicago to match your lifestyle in Dallas?
$80,000
Dallas
$80,000
Cost Index: 103.1
Chicago
$80,392
Cost Index: 103.6
You need +$392 more in Chicago to maintain the same lifestyle.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index scores where 100 = national average. Green highlights the city with the advantage.
Overall Cost Index~equal
Dallas103.1
Chicago103.6
Median Rent-2.2%
Dallas$1K
Chicago$1K
Median Income+10.5%
Dallas$71K
Chicago$78K
Grocery Index-3.7%
Dallas343.1
Chicago330.5
Utilities Index~equal
Dallas100.0
Chicago100.0
Transportation-14.9%
Dallas290.5
Chicago247.2
Healthcare~equal
Dallas100.0
Chicago100.0
State Tax Rate+49500.0%
DallasNone
Chicago4.95%
Side-by-Side Chart
Dallas: Pros & Cons
0% lower overall cost of living
Lower state income tax (none)
Lower unemployment (3.6%)
Higher rent — $1,472/mo vs $1,440/mo
Chicago: Pros & Cons
Lower rent — $1,440/mo vs $1,472/mo
Higher median income ($78K)
Lower grocery costs
0% higher overall cost of living
Higher state income tax (4.95%)
Dallas vs Chicago – FAQ
Common questions about comparing cost of living between Dallas and Chicago.
Dallas has a cost of living index of 103.1, while Chicago scores 103.6. Chicago is approximately 0.5% more expensive overall. This comparison accounts for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
Median 2-bedroom rent in Dallas is $1,472/month compared to $1,440/month in Chicago — a difference of 2%. Rent is typically the largest monthly expense, so this significantly impacts overall affordability.
Due to cost of living differences, you would need approximately 100% of your Dallas salary to maintain the same standard of living in Chicago. For example, a $75,000 salary in Dallas would need to be about $75,367 in Chicago. Use the salary slider above to calculate your specific equivalent.
The cost of living index is calculated using data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (Regional Price Parities), US Census Bureau (median incomes and home values), HUD (Fair Market Rents), and Bureau of Labor Statistics (consumer price data). A score of 100 represents the national average. Scores above 100 indicate higher-than-average costs, while scores below 100 are more affordable.
Dallas has a median household income of $70,518 with an unemployment rate of 3.6%. Chicago has a median household income of $77,902 with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. While income is higher in Chicago, remember to factor in cost of living when comparing real purchasing power.
Beyond cost of living, consider: (1) state income tax differences — some states have no income tax; (2) housing market trends and whether to rent or buy; (3) job market strength in your industry; (4) healthcare costs and access; (5) climate and lifestyle preferences; (6) commute times and transportation options; and (7) proximity to family. Our comparison tool covers the financial factors, but quality of life matters too.