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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Chicago is 27% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,380/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 13%
$75,134/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 13%
$315,200 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 31%
$1,502/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 22%
2,707,648
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $9,607/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Tyler — common questions

Is Chicago or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Tyler?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Tyler?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $9,607/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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Tyler details →

More Comparisons

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