Source-led head-to-head · 2024 ACS
Moving from Irving to Chicago
Based on 2024 ACS 5-year data, Irving has a higher median household income ($81,830 vs $77,902) and lower median gross rent ($1,619 vs $1,440) than Chicago, but Chicago’s median home value is slightly higher ($334,100 vs $315,600). Irving residents enjoy a shorter average commute (26 vs 36 minutes). Chicago applies a 4.95% state income tax in the model, while Irving’s tax is excluded per data boundaries. These factors create a trade-off: Irving offers income and rent advantages with shorter commutes, while Chicago has higher home values and includes state tax in calculations.
Corridor Direction & Trade-off Delta
⇄ Switch to Chicago → IrvingMoving from Irving to Chicago
Median Rent Impact
-$179/mo
Moving to Chicago saves ~$2,148/yr in rent.
State Tax Treatment
+5.0%
~$4,950 more state tax on a $100k salary in Illinois.
Daily Commute Difference
+10 min / day
Difference of ~83 hours per year spent commuting based on 2024 ACS midpoint averages.
Your move
Compare the life behind the offer.
Adjust the assumptions. Every result updates instantly.
Search all 32,330 U.S. Census places directly below.Instant results use official 2024 ACS place data. Places with incomplete required signals remain visible in search but cannot be selected.
Directional estimate using ACS citywide benchmarks. Verified profiles may include a simplified state-tax reference; automatically added profiles exclude state tax until an official reference is approved. Exact tax, benefits, debt, housing, insurance, and personal circumstances may materially change the result.
LIVE VERDICTIRV → CHI
55/ 100
A close, nuanced move
Your modeled annual room improves.Estimated annual life delta+$8,988after essentials; unverified state tax excluded
Best gainMedian rent is 22% of median income, below common affordability benchmarks.
Watch closelyLower rent burden may reflect older housing stock or income distribution, not necessarily lower housing quality or availability.
The short answer
In the uniform one-person renting baseline, Chicago is about $2,148 lower per year. This is not a verdict by itself: replace city medians with the actual offer, address, household, benefits, insurance, and tax details before deciding.
Irving household income$81,830
Chicago household income$77,902
Irving gross rent$1,619
Chicago gross rent$1,440
Housing, income, and tax reference
| Metric | Irving | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 ACS population | 256,492 | 2,711,226 |
| Median household income | $81,830 | $77,902 |
| Median gross rent | $1,619 | $1,440 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $315,600 | $334,100 |
| State-tax treatment | Excluded | 4.95% simplified |
Time and daily routine
The commute-time distribution produces a weighted one-way estimate of about 26 minutes in Irving and 36 minutes in Chicago. This citywide estimate cannot capture a specific route, remote-work schedule, or transit choice, so the calculator converts it into an explicit time difference instead of hiding it in a subjective lifestyle score.
Decision checklist
- Median household income
- Median gross rent
- Median owner-occupied home value
- One-way commute time
- State individual income tax treatment
What each city wins
Irving
Median rent is 23.7% of median income.. Watch higher home values may reflect long-term equity potential despite monthly costs..
Chicago
Median rent is 22% of median income, below common affordability benchmarks.. Watch lower rent burden may reflect older housing stock or income distribution, not necessarily lower housing quality or availability..
Frequently asked questions
Which city has a higher median household income according to the 2024 ACS?
Irving, Texas has a higher median household income at $81,830 compared to Chicago’s $77,902, based on the 2024 ACS 5-year estimates from Table B19013.
How do commute times compare between the two cities using ACS data?
Irving has a derived one-way commute estimate of 26 minutes, while Chicago’s is 36 minutes, both calculated from weighted midpoints in the 2024 ACS Table B0803.
Source boundary: Core figures come from the 2024 ACS five-year tables linked on each city profile. Commute is derived from B08303 midpoint weighting. A state-tax value without an approved official reference is excluded and disclosed. This comparison becomes index-eligible only after its unique analysis clears the content quality gate.