Dallas vs Chicago
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, state income tax, housing estimates, and salary equivalents between Dallas, TX and Chicago, IL.
Dallas, TX
COL Index
104
Monthly Budget
$5,200
State Tax
None
Population
1.3M
Chicago, IL
COL Index
107
Monthly Budget
$5,350
State Tax
5.0%
Population
2.7M
Dallas is 3% less expensive than Chicago
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household in each city.
| Category | Dallas | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,749 | $1,823 | -$74 |
| Groceries | $671 | $686 | -$15 |
| Transport | $829 | $850 | -$21 |
| Healthcare | $411 | $420 | -$9 |
| Utilities | $312 | $321 | -$9 |
| Other | $1,238 | $1,267 | -$29 |
| Total | $5,200 | $5,350 | -$150 |
Tax Comparison on $100K Salary
Estimated annual taxes for a single filer earning $100,000 in each city.
| Component | Dallas (TX) | Chicago (IL) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 | $0 |
| State Tax | $0 | $4,950 | -$4,950 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 | $0 |
| Total Tax | $20,820 | $25,770 | -$4,950 |
| Take-Home Pay | $79,180 | $74,230 | +$4,950 |
Salary Equivalent
What a Dallas salary is worth in Chicago (and vice versa), adjusted for cost of living.
| Dallas Salary | Equivalent in Chicago | Chicago Salary | Equivalent in Dallas |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,442 | $50,000 | $48,598 |
| $75,000 | $77,163 | $75,000 | $72,897 |
| $100,000 | $102,885 | $100,000 | $97,196 |
| $150,000 | $154,327 | $150,000 | $145,794 |