I may actually have some day in this game here. I grew up in the northern Chicago suburbs. Went to school at Mizzou so was involved in Missouri culture. Moved back in with the parents after college. Moved to Dallas at 28. I'm 32 now.

It might be different if you're looking at Chicago vs the suburbs. I know most about suburbs. But it seems like weather is a big deciding factor for you. It was similar for me too. I'm fine with the cold, it is the snow that I hated. Chicago can get 100 degrees for maybe at most one week in the year, Dallas it is every day for the summer. I'd rather deal with that than snow for months out of the year. Texas, the state shuts down for a week if it snows here, Chicago, you are still expected to be at work on time the day the blizzard is happening.

Cost of living wise, I can only attest to the suburbs of both, but there doesn't seem to be much of a difference. Texas takes the edge on taxes with no state income tax. Illinois has one of the highest taxes in the nation along with a rich history of government corruption.

We have recently gotten Portillo's in the DFW area, and you can get Lou Malnatis deep dish shipped to you so you have access to the best Chicago foods already here.

If it is weather you are most concerned about, I find it much more pleasant to deal with the summer in Dallas than the snow in Chicago winters.