Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Arlington, TX (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Chicago is 5% more expensive than Arlington.

$1,380/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ≈ Same
$75,134/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↓ 2%
$315,200 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$276,400 ↓ 12%
$1,502/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↓ 5%
2,707,648
Population
394,769

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,615/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Arlington — common questions

Is Chicago or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Arlington?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Arlington?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $1,615/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,389/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Arlington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Arlington

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