Data last updated: August 2026

Chicago, ILDallas, TX

You would need around 21.7% less money in Dallas, TX to maintain the same standard of living you have in Chicago, IL.

Overall Cost of Living

21.7%

Dallas, TX is cheaper than Chicago, IL

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,406 USD
City B1,775 USD
Difference-26.2%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A293 USD
City B296 USD
Difference+1.0%

Average Net Salary

City A5,136 USD
City B4,830 USD
Difference-6.0%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Chicago, IL to Dallas, TX? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Dallas, TX is 21.7% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Dallas, TX's center costs around 1,775 USD, which is a staggering 26.2% less than in Chicago, IL. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Chicago, IL and Dallas, TX is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Dallas, TX to maintain your current lifestyle in Chicago, IL.

USD

You need in Dallas, TX

4,023 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Chicago, IL to Dallas, TX and investing the 22% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 3.2 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Chicago, IL budget to local Dallas, TX prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1775 USD
Groceries296 USD
Utilities & Internet268 USD

Investment Planner

You save 631 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Dallas, TX.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~106,008 USD in 10 years.