Quick answer
Dallas is 44% cheaper than Chicago overall. A $100K salary in Chicago is equivalent to $56,000 in Dallas.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Chicago vs Dallas Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Dallas is 44% cheaper
1BR rent difference
-22% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$56,000
Chicago vs Dallas: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,850/mo
$1,450/mo
-22%
2BR median rent
$2,350/mo
$1,850/mo
-21%
Median home price
$340K
$380K
+12%
Avg monthly groceries
$390
$355
-9%
Avg monthly utilities
$155
$175
+13%
State income tax
4.95%
None
Dallas saves
Walk score
78/100
46/100
Chicago better
Transit score
65/100
35/100
Chicago better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Dallas to maintain the same standard of living as your current Chicago salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$34,000
$107,000
$80,000
$45,000
$143,000
$100,000
$56,000
$178,000
$120,000
$67,000
$214,000
$150,000
$84,000
$268,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Chicago vs Dallas
Who Each City Is Best For
Chicago is best for
- ✓urban explorers
- ✓foodies
- ✓architecture lovers
- ✓transit users
Dallas is best for
- ✓finance professionals
- ✓corporate workers
- ✓remote workers
- ✓families
FAQs
Is Chicago or Dallas cheaper to live in?
Dallas is 44% cheaper than Chicago overall. Dallas 1BR rent ($1,450/mo) vs Chicago ($1,850/mo). Median home price: Dallas $380K vs Chicago $340K.
How much salary do I need in Dallas to match $100K in Chicago?
$56,000 in Dallas is equivalent to $100,000 in Chicago based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (-22% difference) and state taxes (Chicago: 4.95% vs Dallas: None).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Dallas?
1BR: Chicago $1,850/mo vs Dallas $1,450/mo (-22%). 2BR: Chicago $2,350/mo vs Dallas $1,850/mo (-21%).
Does Chicago or Dallas have lower taxes?
Chicago (IL) has 4.95% state income tax. Dallas (TX) has None state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$4,950.