Is Chicago, IL cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 5.0% more expensive than Austin, TX. This translates to spending an extra $371 per month.

What salary do I need in Chicago, IL to live like I do in Austin, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $154,456.311 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, TX and Chicago, IL?

Housing in Chicago, IL is 6.3% more expensive than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL?

Living in Chicago, IL costs approximately $371 more per month than Austin, TX, or $4456 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Austin, TX

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Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $371/month more in Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.5K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 5.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$371

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$305K

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Austin, TX vs Chicago, IL

Category	Austin, TX	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,680/mo	↑ $396more	30.9%
🏠Housing	$2,885/mo	$3,066/mo	↑ $182more	6.3%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $69.95more	7.3%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$519/mo	↓ $21.86less	4.0%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,758/mo	↑ $16.74more	1.0%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$595/mo	↑ $6.20more	1.1%

🚗Transportation

↑ 30.9%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$396

🏠Housing

↑ 6.3%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$182

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Austin, TX

$959

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$69.95

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.0%

Austin, TX

$541

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$21.86

less

📦Other

↑ 1.0%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$16.74

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.1%

Austin, TX

$589

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$6.20

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$1,600

↑ $15.00

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$1,710

↑ $25.00

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$1,925

↓ $70.00

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$2,480

↓ $45.00

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$649

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Chicago

$558K

Median Value

$305K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 45% less expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Chicago

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$619

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.9%

Rate difference

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Additional Tax Information

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.