Median rent is 1% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,389/mo). Buying is cheaper in Arlington, where the median home runs $276,400 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $73,519 a year). Taken together, Arlington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.4 against 105.7 — about 2% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
Arlington is 2% cheaper overall
Cost index: 103.4 in Arlington vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Arlington, TX
City B
Chicago, IL
How much would you need to earn in Chicago, IL to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, TX?
Equivalent salary in Chicago, IL
$76,664
You'd need $1,664 more (2% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Arlington
Texas
Chicago
Illinois
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,389/mo in Arlington and $1,380/mo in Chicago. Median home values are within 12% of each other: $276,400 in Arlington and $315,200 in Chicago.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Illinois tops out at 4.95% — giving Arlington a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.25% in Illinois; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Arlington
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 44.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Arlington cheaper than Chicago?
Arlington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.4 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in Arlington.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Chicago?
Median rent is $1,389/mo in Arlington, TX and $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 1%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Chicago?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington, TX and $75,134 in Chicago, IL. Chicago, IL has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 44.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Chicago?
Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, TX is equivalent to roughly $102,218 in Chicago, IL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology