Median rent is 2% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,412/mo). Buying is cheaper in Fort Worth, where the median home runs $277,300 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Fort Worth ($76,602 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Fort Worth is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.4 against 105.7 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Fort Worth, TX.
Quick verdict
Fort Worth is 2% cheaper overall
Cost index: 103.4 in Fort Worth vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Fort Worth, TX
How much would you need to earn in Fort Worth, TX to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Fort Worth, TX
$73,372
You could earn $1,628 less (2% lower) and break even.
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
Chicago
Illinois
Fort Worth
Texas
👥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: $1,380/mo in Chicago and $1,412/mo in Fort Worth. Median home values are within 12% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $277,300 in Fort Worth.
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 Fort Worth a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.25% in Texas; Fort Worth has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Fort Worth
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Fort Worth.
Pick Fort Worth if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than Fort Worth?
Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Fort Worth?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,412/mo in Fort Worth, TX. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Fort Worth?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $76,602 in Fort Worth, TX. Fort Worth, TX 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Fort Worth?
Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Fort Worth to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $97,830 in Fort Worth, TX (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