Is Austin, TX cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 4.7% cheaper than Chicago, IL. This translates to saving $354 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $145,753.932 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 5.9% cheaper than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

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

Moving from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX could save you approximately $354 per month, or $4246 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Chicago, IL

Tap to swap

Austin, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $354/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.8K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$354

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.2K

Per year

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

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$558K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chicago, IL vs Austin, TX

Category	Chicago, IL	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $396less	23.6%
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $182less	5.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$959/mo	↓ $69.95less	6.8%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$541/mo	↑ $21.86more	4.2%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $16.74less	1.0%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$589/mo	↓ $6.20less	1.0%

🚗Transportation

↓ 23.6%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$396

less

🏠Housing

↓ 5.9%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$182

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$69.95

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.2%

Chicago, IL

$519

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$21.86

📦Other

↓ 1.0%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$16.74

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.0%

Chicago, IL

$595

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$6.20

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,585

↓ $15.00

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,685

↓ $25.00

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$1,995

↑ $70.00

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$2,525

↑ $45.00

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$649

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Austin

$305K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 83% more expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$619

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.9%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.