Quick answer
Fort Worth costs $595/month less overall ($1,800 vs $2,395/mo). Fort Worth also has lower state income tax (None vs 4.95%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Chicago vs Fort Worth
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Chicago vs Fort Worth at a Glance
| Metric | Chicago | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,850 | $1,620 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,350 | $1,620 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $340K ✓ | $340K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $155 ✓ | $175 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $390 | $345 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,395 | $1,800 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 78/100 ✓ | 34/100 |
| Transit Score | 65/100 ✓ | 25/100 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | None ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Fort Worth's 1BR averages $1,280/month vs $1,850 in Chicago — a $570/month difference, or $6,840/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Fort Worth charges None state income tax vs 4.95% in Chicago. On an $80K salary that's a $3,960/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,940 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Both cities have similar median home prices around $340K.
Utilities: Fort Worth utilities run $20 more per month than Chicago.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Chicago, IL
Chicago's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Fort Worth, TX
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Fort Worth. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Chicago
Four true seasons; brutal winters (wind chills below -20°F common); outstanding summers
Fort Worth
Hot summers (similar to Dallas, 100°F+), mild winters with occasional ice storms, severe thunderstorm and tornado season in spring
Job Market
Chicago top industries
Fort Worth top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Chicago if…
- →You're a urban explorers
- →You're a foodies
- →You're a architecture lovers
- →You're a transit users
- →You're a theater fans
- →You want to live without a car
Move to Fort Worth if…
- →You're a aerospace / defense workers
- →You're a healthcare professionals
- →You're a remote workers
- →You're a Texas culture enthusiasts
- →You want zero state income tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Fort Worth cheaper to live in?
Fort Worth is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,800 in Fort Worth vs $2,395 in Chicago — a $595/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Chicago or Fort Worth?
Chicago is more walkable with a Walk Score of 78/100 vs 34/100. Fort Worth is more car-dependent.
Chicago vs Fort Worth: which has lower state income tax?
Fort Worth has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,960/year vs Chicago (4.95%).
Is Chicago or Fort Worth better for buying a home?
Chicago and Fort Worth have similar median home prices around $340K.