Is Houston, TX cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 10.7% cheaper than Chicago, IL. This translates to saving $805 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $140,342.276 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Houston, TX is 28.6% cheaper than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

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

Moving from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX could save you approximately $805 per month, or $9658 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Chicago, IL

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Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $805/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.3K in Houston, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 10.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$805

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.7K

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:89

Median Home:$245K

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

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chicago, IL vs Houston, TX

Category	Chicago, IL	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $876less	28.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,449/mo	↓ $231less	13.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$911/mo	↓ $118less	11.5%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$552/mo	↑ $33.33more	6.4%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$562/mo	↓ $32.84less	5.5%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,768/mo	↑ $10.04more	0.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 28.6%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$876

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.7%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$231

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.5%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$118

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.4%

Chicago, IL

$519

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$33.33

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.5%

Chicago, IL

$595

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$32.84

less

📦Other

↑ 0.6%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$10.04

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,220

↓ $380

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,260

↓ $450

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$1,500

↓ $425

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$2,020

↓ $460

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$1,214

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Houston

$305K

Median Value

$245K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 20% less expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago Calculate payment - Houston

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

Houston, 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%

Houston, 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.