Chicago, IL vs Arlington, TX
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
On the headline indicators, Chicago and Arlington are closely matched markets (homes within 12% of each other). Distinguishing the two usually requires looking past the cost averages — at the tax structure, commute patterns, and individual neighborhood differences. Arlington also has no state income tax, while the other state tops out at 5.0% — a meaningful annual difference at higher income levels.
Median Home Value
$315,200
$276,400 ✓
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$307,791
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo ✓
$1,389/mo
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
54.8%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
16.6x
Median Household Income
$75,134 ✓
$73,519
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$35,226
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
5.7% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
13.1%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
29.1 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
74.8%
Public Transit %
19.3%
0.3%
Work From Home %
18.3%
11.8%
State Income Tax
5.0%
None
Total Sales Tax
8.7%
8.2% ✓
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
1.7%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.9%
21.8%
Median Age
35.7
33.6
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
77.4°F
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
36.2"
Chicago, IL 2 wins
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Median Household Income
Arlington, TX 3 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Unemployment Rate
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