🇺🇸 Chicago vs 🇺🇸 Dallas
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Chicago
United States
$2,400–$3,800/mo
$2,400 – $3,800 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Dallas
United States
$2,215–$3,508/mo
$2,215 – $3,508 / month (local)
Chicago is 8% more expensive
Dallas wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Chicago (USD) | Dallas (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,800–$2,800 | $1,662–$2,585 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $950–$1,500 | $877–$1,385 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Utilities | $75–$145 | $69–$134 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Groceries | $380–$570 | $351–$526 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $50–$90 | $46–$83 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Public transport (monthly) | $95–$115 | $88–$106 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Internet & Mobile | $30–$50 | $28–$46 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Gym membership | $35–$65 | $32–$60 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Cinema ticket | $14–$18 | $13–$17 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,400–$3,800 | $2,215–$3,508 | 🟢 Dallas |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing5.3 / 10 · 6.0 / 10
Chicago
Dallas▲ better
Safety9.3 / 10 · 9.6 / 10
Chicago
Dallas▲ better
Healthcare9.3 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Dallas
Education8.9 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Dallas
Environment8.0 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Chicago
Dallas▲ better
Economy8.0 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Chicago
Dallas▲ better
Culture8.6 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Chicago
Dallas▲ better
Internet9.0 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Chicago▲ better
Dallas
Who should choose which city?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Chicago offers vs Dallas
- ✓Architecture
- ✓Food
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Chicago
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Jobs
- ✓Airport hub
- ✓Corporate relocations
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📊
Full Chicago guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Chicago →📊
Full Dallas guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Dallas →