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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Grand Prairie

Texas
98

Chicago and Grand Prairie have a similar cost of living.

$1,380/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,470/mo ↑ 7%
$75,134/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$78,889/yr ↑ 5%
$315,200 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$272,200 ↓ 14%
$1,502/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,480/mo ↓ 1%
2,707,648
Population
198,564

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Grand Prairie, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $3,755/year higher in Grand Prairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $272,200 in Grand Prairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Grand Prairie — common questions

Is Chicago or Grand Prairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Grand Prairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Grand Prairie?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Grand Prairie it's $1,470/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Grand Prairie?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $78,889 in Grand Prairie. Median household income is $3,755/year higher in Grand Prairie.
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 Grand Prairie?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Grand Prairie has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,470/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Grand Prairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Grand Prairie

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