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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Chicago and Denton have a similar cost of living.

$1,380/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 3%
$75,134/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 2%
$315,200 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$325,700 ↑ 3%
$1,502/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 3%
2,707,648
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

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

Median household income is $1,415/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Denton — common questions

Is Chicago or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Denton?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Denton?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $1,415/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

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