Moving from Chicago to Fort Worth (2026)
Fort Worth has a COL index of 91 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). You'd pay about 15% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Fort Worth to match your Chicago lifestyle
Based on the 15% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Fort Worth |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,019 |
| $50K | $42,523 |
| $60K | $51,028 |
| $75K | $63,785 |
| $80K | $68,037 |
| $100K | $85,047 |
| $120K | $102,056 |
| $150K | $127,570 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Chicago vs Fort Worth
| Expense | Chicago | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,434 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $388 | $365 |
| Transport | $105 | $50 |
| Utilities | $165 | $180 |
| Internet | $65 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $1,811 | $2,678 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $560 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Chicago — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Worth cheaper than Chicago?
Yes. Fort Worth has a cost of living index of 91 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). That's about 15% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Chicago to Fort Worth?
On a $75K salary, moving from Chicago to Fort Worth saves roughly $806/month on core expenses. That's ~$9,672/year.
What salary do I need in Fort Worth to match my Chicago lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Chicago, you'd need roughly $63,785/year in Fort Worth. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only