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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Chicago is 14% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,380/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 21%
$75,134/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 32%
$315,200 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 12%
$1,502/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 12%
2,707,648
Population
132,741

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $294/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $3,528/year.

Median household income is $23,981/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Chicago or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Carrollton?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $294/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Carrollton?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $23,981/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

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