Chicago and Dallas are two vibrant U.S cities, each offering unique experiences and characteristics. Chicago, located in the Midwest, is famous for its rich history, cultural diversity, and impressive architecture. On the other hand, Dallas, in the Southwest, is renowned for its prosperity, oil and cattle industry legacy, and dynamic sports scene. Both cities have diverse economic structures, lifestyle offerings, and climatic conditions which make life different in many ways. This article will explore the differences in crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries and occupations, biggest employers, real estate, neighborhoods, transportation, taxes, culture and food, sports teams, geographical conditions, and healthcare facilities in the two cities.
Distance between
Chicago, IL and
Dallas, TX : 799.4 miles
Chicago's population is larger by 109%. Its population has decreased by 199,461 people (6.9%) since 2000. The population of Dallas has grown by 99,877 people (8.4%) during that time.
Crime rates in both cities vary by neighborhood, but overall, Chicago has a higher crime rate than Dallas. However, it's important to note that large sections of Chicago are safe; crime is concentrated in specific areas. In Dallas, crime has been on a steady decrease over the years, with suburban areas generally safer. Visitors and potential residents should research individual neighborhoods to make an informed decision about safety.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,389 registered sex offenders living in Chicago and 4,271 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Chicago is 798 to 1; the ratio in Dallas is 309 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Chicago than in Dallas.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living in Dallas is lower than in Chicago. Dallas residents benefit from no state income tax and generally lower housing costs, utility costs, and healthcare costs. Chicago, being a major international city, has higher living costs, particularly in regards to housing and utilities.
Income Tax
Illinois imposes a state income tax, whereas Texas does not. This makes Dallas a more tax-friendly place to live.
Property Tax
Property taxes are higher in Dallas compared to Chicago, which could impact the cost of housing over the long term.
Sales Tax
Chicago has a higher combined city and state sales tax rate than Dallas.
Income
Type
Chicago
Dallas
Estimated median household income
$66,576
$57,995
Estimated per capita income
$43,217
$38,479
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
104.8
96.1
If you make $50,000 in Dallas, you will have to make $54,527 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Chicago sits on Lake Michigan, offering beautiful lakeside beaches. Its flat terrain is contrasted by numerous skyscrapers. Dallas, located in the Southern Plains, has a flatter landscape without major water bodies, but sports a mix of modern and postmodern architecture.
Both cities offer good educational opportunities. Chicago boasts reputed universities like the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. Dallas has in its vicinity universities like the University of Texas at Dallas and Southern Methodist University. Both cities have quality public and private schools.
Economically, Dallas tends to have a healthier job market with industries like technology, biotech, and healthcare. Chicago's economy is diverse with sectors including finance, publishing, food processing, and manufacturing.
Biggest Employers
Chicago's biggest employers include the federal and state government, the Chicago Public Schools, and the Advocate Health System. In Dallas, the largest employers are American Airlines, Texas Health Resources, and AT&T.
There were 414 building permits issued in Chicago in 2012 (200 more than in 2011) compared to 2,245 building permits issued in Dallas in 2012 (1436 more than in 2011).
In Chicago (Cook County), 74.0% voted for Democrats and 24.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Chicago
Dallas
Chicago
Dallas
Chicago
Dallas
2020
74.6%
65.1%
24.1%
33.4%
1.3%
1.4%
2016
74.4%
60.8%
20.9%
34.7%
4.7%
4.5%
2012
74.0%
57.3%
24.6%
41.8%
1.4%
1.0%
2008
76.4%
57.4%
22.9%
42.0%
0.7%
0.6%
2004
70.3%
49.0%
29.2%
50.4%
0.6%
0.5%
2000
69.0%
45.0%
28.8%
52.7%
2.3%
2.4%
1996
66.8%
46.0%
26.7%
46.8%
6.5%
7.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Chicago
Dallas
Chicago
Dallas
CATHOLIC CHURCH
37.5%
18.9%
11.1%
2.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.9%
3.6%
1.8%
1.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.3%
4.3%
0.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
11.0%
5.4%
31.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.3%
3.6%
0.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.4%
0.1%
1.6%
0.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.0%
1.8%
1.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.9%
1.7%
Weather
Climate-wise, the two cities are quite different. Chicago is known for its long, cold winters and short, hot summers while Dallas experiences relatively mild winters and hot, humid summers. Chicago's location on Lake Michigan can result in windy conditions. Dallas residents enjoy more sunny days throughout the year, which benefits those outdoor enthusiasts.
Weather and climate
Type
Chicago
Dallas
Temperature - Average
50.3°F
66.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
71.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
82%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
54%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.8 in
37.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
77.6 in
4.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14%
22.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.8%
66.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
68%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
35%
54%
Wind speed - Average
10.7 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in Chicago, Illinois
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Chicago
Dallas
Chicago
Chicago
Dallas
Chicago
Dallas
Chicago
Dallas
Chicago
Chicago
Dallas
Chicago
Dallas
2018
97
86
0.26
N/A
14.3
5.7
26.2
28.7
N/A
N/A
23.6
N/A
9.3
9.7
1.7
0.4
2017
95
84
0.25
N/A
14.3
5.5
26.4
28.6
N/A
N/A
25.1
N/A
8.7
9.1
1.4
0.3
2016
95
81
0.21
N/A
14.9
6.1
26.5
27.2
N/A
N/A
17.3
N/A
9.1
8.4
0.8
0.2
2015
92
85
0.51
N/A
15.0
6.5
25.4
26.7
N/A
N/A
23.3
N/A
10.5
8.9
0.9
0.3
2014
101
83
0.45
N/A
18.0
6.3
25.1
27.6
N/A
N/A
28.9
N/A
10.7
9.9
1.3
0.3
2013
100
97
0.37
N/A
18.3
7.3
23.8
28.8
N/A
N/A
30.3
N/A
11.1
13.0
1.0
0.2
2012
112
116
0.36
N/A
18.8
8.6
25.7
31.0
N/A
N/A
31.3
N/A
12.1
12.0
1.7
0.3
2011
101
98
0.38
N/A
18.6
9.4
24.8
30.9
N/A
N/A
21.9
N/A
12.8
11.9
2.4
0.6
2010
103
79
0.37
N/A
20.4
9.4
25.4
28.3
N/A
N/A
22.2
N/A
12.9
N/A
1.4
0.7
2009
106
88
0.29
N/A
20.0
9.2
22.4
28.8
0.025
N/A
20.1
N/A
12.9
N/A
1.4
0.5
2008
108
88
0.32
N/A
22.8
9.8
22.8
29.2
0.026
0.121
22.7
N/A
12.5
N/A
1.8
0.5
2007
125
94
0.34
N/A
23.6
11.0
23.9
25.7
0.027
0.070
25.9
N/A
13.1
N/A
2.2
0.3
2006
95
107
0.31
N/A
23.0
10.8
21.1
30.6
0.029
0.106
22.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
0.7
2005
110
108
0.55
N/A
23.5
13.0
23.3
29.7
0.027
0.142
26.2
N/A
N/A
11.0
3.3
0.9
2004
85
96
0.83
N/A
23.9
12.3
20.3
26.0
0.032
0.099
23.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
0.8
2003
99
102
0.69
N/A
25.1
13.6
20.0
27.1
0.030
0.121
23.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
1.0
2002
114
100
0.83
N/A
26.5
14.0
20.8
25.2
0.029
0.080
24.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
0.4
2001
107
100
0.83
N/A
27.3
14.3
19.2
26.0
0.031
0.069
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
1.0
2000
104
109
0.88
N/A
24.8
14.5
17.6
27.0
0.046
0.092
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.2
1.1
Natural disasters
Type
Chicago
Dallas
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
145.8%
254.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
136.9%
567%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
20%
21%
Transportation
In terms of public transit, Chicago's CTA is more extensive and efficient than Dallas's DART. Chicago offers better commuting options with its 'L' trains and buses. Dallas's public transit is growing, but the city remains more car-dependent.
Transport
Type
Chicago
Dallas
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
2
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
56
Means of transportation to work
Type
Chicago
Dallas
Bicycle
1.6%
0.3%
Bus
8%
1.4%
Carpooled
8.3%
10.9%
Car alone
62.3%
83.9%
Railroad
0.2%
0.2%
Streetcar
6.8%
0.1%
Subway
3.5%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.1%
Walked
5.9%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Chicago
Dallas
Average
36.9 min
31.5 min
Other means
33.1 min
26.5 min
Public transportation
44.8 min
46 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Chicago
Dallas
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.7%
86.8%
In 2 person carpool
9.3%
9%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
2.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.9%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is generally cheaper in Dallas. Properties in Chicago are more expensive but vary widely by neighborhood, with downtown areas commanding premium prices.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer a range of neighborhoods, from bustling downtown areas to quieter suburban locales. Dallas's top neighborhoods include Highland Park, University Park, and Uptown. In Chicago, Lincoln Park, Hyde Park, and The Loop are popular.
Houses and residents
Type
Chicago
Dallas
Houses
1,272,191
591,773
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.6
Median year apartment built
1955
1987
Median year house/condo built
1951
1969
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.7 years
13.9 years
Houses occupied
1,139,537 (89.6%)
536,008 (90.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
530,977 (46.6%)
229,518 (42.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
608,560 (53.4%)
306,490 (57.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,546
$1,403
Median monthly housing costs
$1,356
$1,225
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$355,671
$574,934
Estimated median house or condo value
$297,300
$267,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.8
4.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.7
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$357,707
$410,272
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$345,352
$255,160
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$477,161
$230,927
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$439,589
$444,589
Median house price - mobile homes
$472,017
$91,039
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$518,665
$350,045
Median house price - All housing units
$388,874
$402,215
Median house age
70
40
Renting percentage
55.1%
55.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,601.1
1,727.6
House value disparities
35.6%
41.3%
Household income disparities
48.4%
48.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$110,175
$103,798
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,495
$61,909
Housing units without a mortgage
6,624 (1.9%)
1,309 (1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
17,661 (5.1%)
3,320 (2.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
339,523 (98.1%)
124,846 (99%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
808 (0.2%)
204 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
25,416 (7.3%)
5,351 (4.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
2
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.5%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.8%
0.9%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Chicago
Dallas
One, detached
26.4%
41.8%
One, attached
3.5%
4.3%
Two
13.3%
1.5%
3 or 4
14.0%
4.9%
5 to 9
11.0%
7.9%
10 to 19
4.6%
12.1%
20 to 49
6.5%
8.1%
50 or more
20.6%
18.4%
Mobile homes
0.2%
1.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
67,964
43,703
State government workers
41,316
17,325
Unpaid family workers
4,164
754
Industries and Occupations
Chicago is a significant global finance hub and its economy is highly diverse. In addition to finance, healthcare, and manufacturing are also important. Dallas's economy is largely driven by oil, technology, and defense. Both cities offer a wide range of professions and occupations.
Both cities have access to excellent healthcare facilities. Chicago has world-renowned hospitals like Northwestern Memorial Hospital, while Dallas has nationally recognized healthcare providers like Baylor University Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Chicago
Dallas
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Chicago, with its tall skyscrapers and stunning company headquarters, is known for its impressive infrastructure. Dallas boasts good infrastructure in its downtown and suburban areas. However, Chicago's public transit system is more extensive and effective than Dallas's.
Infrastructure
Type
Chicago
Dallas
Hospitals
86
74
TV stations
22
25
Arenas or stadiums
7
2
Bank branches located here
740
394
Bank institutions located here
99
80
Main business address for public companies
110
122
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
22
8
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Chicago
Dallas
1999
7,501
5,030
2000
8,763
3,390
2001
7,090
2,626
2002
7,745
2,657
2003
10,485
3,617
2004
14,761
5,460
2005
24,041
7,445
2006
29,365
7,397
2007
17,767
5,056
2008
8,601
2,200
2009
3,506
1,121
Culture and Food
Chicago is known for its rich cultural scene and world-class museums, including The Art Institute of Chicago. Food enthusiasts will love Chicago's deep-dish pizza and hot dogs. In contrast, Dallas offers a proud cowboy culture reflected in its rodeos and barbecues. You'll find a love for Tex-Mex foods, particularly chili and tacos.
Sports Teams
Chicago is home to legendary sports teams including the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago White Sox. Dallas boasts the world-renowned Dallas Cowboys and Mavericks. Both cities have a passionate sports culture, offering exciting experiences for fans.
Chicago, IL
Dallas, TX
