Chicago, IL vs Dallas, TX: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Chicago, IL and Dallas, TX. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Chicago, IL
IL
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 105.7
- Housing RPP
- 110.9
- Goods RPP
- 106.7
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,714/mo
Illinois flat income tax 4.95%. Chicago city tax adds ~2.25% effective burden.
Dallas, TX
TX
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 103.5
- Housing RPP
- 116.3
- Goods RPP
- 102.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,758/mo
Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~1.8-2.2% effective rate.
Equivalent salary
Dallas, TX is cheaper than Chicago, IL by about 2.1% (RPP 105.7 to 103.5).
$60,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $58,751
in Dallas, TX
$100,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $97,919
in Dallas, TX
$150,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $146,878
in Dallas, TX
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Dallas, TX cheaper or more expensive than Chicago, IL?
- Dallas, TX (RPP 103.5) is cheaper than Chicago, IL (RPP 105.7) by about 2.1%.
- What salary do I need in Dallas, TX if I earn $100,000 in Chicago, IL?
- You would need approximately $97,919 in Dallas, TX to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Chicago, IL. Formula: $100,000 x (103.5 / 105.7).