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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Chicago is 22% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,380/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 32%
$75,134/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 28%
$315,200 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 29%
$1,502/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 20%
2,707,648
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $445/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $5,340/year.

Median household income is $21,123/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Richardson — common questions

Is Chicago or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Richardson?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $445/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Richardson?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $21,123/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

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