Is Austin, TX cheaper than Downers Grove, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 4.4% more expensive than Downers Grove, IL. This translates to spending an extra $328 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Downers Grove, IL, you'd need approximately $153,937.551 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 14.5% more expensive than in Downers Grove, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,626/month in Downers Grove, IL.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $328 more per month than Downers Grove, IL, or $3938 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Downers Grove, IL vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Downers Grove, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Downers Grove, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $328/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.9K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 4.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$328

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.9K

Per year

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

Downers Grove, IL

Population:50K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$471K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$558K

Downers Grove, IL

The Prairie State

50K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 50K residents.

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: Downers Grove, IL vs Austin, TX

Category	Downers Grove, IL	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,519/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $365more	14.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,534/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $250less	16.3%
📦Other	$1,605/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $136more	8.5%
⚡All Utilities	$496/mo	$541/mo	↑ $44.98more	9.1%
🛒Groceries	$983/mo	$959/mo	↓ $24.09less	2.5%
🏥Healthcare	$568/mo	$589/mo	↑ $20.30more	3.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 14.5%

Downers Grove, IL

$2,519

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$365

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.3%

Downers Grove, IL

$1,534

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$250

less

📦Other

↑ 8.5%

Downers Grove, IL

$1,605

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$136

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.1%

Downers Grove, IL

$496

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$44.98

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.5%

Downers Grove, IL

$983

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$24.09

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.6%

Downers Grove, IL

$568

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$20.30

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,350

To$1,585

↑ $235

1 Bed

From$1,443

To$1,685

↑ $242

2 Bed

From$1,626

To$1,995

↑ $369

3 Bed

From$2,095

To$2,525

↑ $430

Downers Grove, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,850–$1,870/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.

$7,705

Monthly in Downers Grove, IL

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$293

Difference

Home Values

Downers Grove

Austin

$471K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +6.7%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +34.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$469K - $472K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 19% more expensive than Downers Grove

Calculate payment - Downers Grove 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

Downers Grove, 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

Downers Grove, 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.