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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Fort Worth, TX

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

11.2% Fort Worth, TX is cheaper overall
14.3% 14.3% cheaper housing
8.7% 8.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 14.3% cheaper
Chicago
105
Fort Worth
90
🛒 Groceries 8.7% cheaper
Chicago
104
Fort Worth
95
🚗 Transportation 14.0% cheaper
Chicago
114
Fort Worth
98
🏥 Healthcare 6.8% cheaper
Chicago
103
Fort Worth
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Chicago
101
Fort Worth
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Fort Worth, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1079511.2% less
Housing1059014.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,25026.5% less
Median Home Price$310,000$300,0003.2% less
Groceries104958.7% less
Transportation1149814.0% less
Healthcare103966.8% less
Utilities101103~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Fort Worth, TX
State Income Tax4.95%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
Fort Worth, TX
$68,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Fort Worth outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Fort Worth to maintain your Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Fort Worth (95). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Fort Worth3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Fort Worth3.0%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Fort Worth27 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Fort Worth32
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Fort Worth47
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Fort Worth65°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Fort Worth978,468

Moving from Chicago to Fort Worth?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago and Fort Worth → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Fort Worth →

Compare Other Cities

Chicago vs Austin → Chicago vs Denver → Chicago vs Nashville → Fort Worth vs Raleigh → Fort Worth vs Portland → Fort Worth vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Fort Worth cheaper to live in?+
Fort Worth is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 14.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Fort Worth?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,250/month in Fort Worth — a difference of about $450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Fort Worth?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Chicago to Fort Worth?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $68,000 in Fort Worth. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Chicago vs Fort Worth?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $300,000 in Fort Worth — a difference of $10,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Texas averages 1.60%.