To investigate the seismic behavior of concrete-filled rectangular steel tube (CFRT) structures, a push-over analysis of a 10-story moment resisting frame (MRF) composed of CFRT columns and steel beams was conducted. The results show that push-over analysis is sensitive to the lateral load patterns, so the use of at least two load patterns that are expected to bound the inertia force distributions is recommended. The $M-\varphi$ curves and N-M interaction surfaces of the CFRT columns calculated either by Han’s formulae or by the USC-RC program (reinforced concrete program put forward by University of Southern Califonia) are suitable for future push-over analyses of CFRT structures. The $P-\Delta$ effect affects the MRF seismic behavior seriously, and so should be taken into account in MRF seismic analysis. In addition, three kinds of RC structures were analyzed to allow a comparison of the earthquake resistance behavior of CFRT structures and RC structures. The results show that the ductility and seismic performance of CFRT structures are superior to those of RC structures. Consequently, CFRT structures are recommended in seismic regions.