Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Chicago and Plano have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
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 Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
Amazon affiliate links