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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Irving

Texas
102

Chicago and Irving have a similar cost of living.

$1,380/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,517/mo ↑ 10%
$75,134/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$79,641/yr ↑ 6%
$315,200 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$287,300 ↓ 9%
$1,502/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 1%
2,707,648
Population
255,036

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Irving, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $137/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $1,644/year.

Median household income is $4,507/year higher in Irving. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $287,300 in Irving.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Irving — common questions

Is Chicago or Irving cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Irving?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Irving it's $1,517/month — a difference of $137/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Irving?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $79,641 in Irving. Median household income is $4,507/year higher in Irving.
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 Irving?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Irving has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,517/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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