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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Frisco

Texas
162

Chicago is 38% cheaper than Frisco.

$1,380/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 38%
$75,134/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$146,158/yr ↑ 95%
$315,200 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$595,400 ↑ 89%
$1,502/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,389/mo ↑ 59%
2,707,648
Population
210,238

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
15.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Frisco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 162 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $522/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $6,264/year.

Median household income is $71,024/year higher in Frisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $595,400 in Frisco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Frisco — common questions

Is Chicago or Frisco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 162 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Frisco?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Frisco it's $1,902/month — a difference of $522/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Frisco?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $146,158 in Frisco. Median household income is $71,024/year higher in Frisco.
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 Frisco?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Frisco has a cost index of 162 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Frisco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Frisco

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Frisco vs. Moreno Valley Frisco vs. Rochester Frisco vs. Fontana Frisco vs. Fayetteville Frisco vs. Des Moines Frisco vs. Yonkers