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.
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 |
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 |
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 could save roughly $560/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,720/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 between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only