Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Chicago is 7% more affordable than Frisco. A $75,000 salary in Frisco is equivalent to $69,783 in Chicago.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Frisco sits at 142 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $500,000 in Frisco, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,900 in Frisco.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Frisco scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Frisco (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $126,048 in Frisco. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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