Chicago, IL vs Dallas, TX
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
Chicago and Dallas sit close to each other across the headline cost-of-living indicators — typical homes within 6% of each other, median incomes within 10%. The relocation math comes down to non-housing factors: taxes, commute, climate, and personal preference. Dallas 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
$295,300 ✓
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$305,522
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo ✓
$1,403/mo
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
42.4%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
17.5x
Median Household Income
$75,134 ✓
$67,760
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$44,138
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
4.9% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
17.2%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
28.4 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
68.5%
Public Transit %
19.3%
2.3%
Work From Home %
18.3%
14.0%
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%
22.9%
Median Age
35.7
33.4
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
77.9°F
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
38.3"
Annual Snowfall
—
1.7"
Chicago, IL 2 wins
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Median Household Income
Dallas, TX 3 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Unemployment Rate
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