Is Austin, TX cheaper than East Chicago, IN?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 6.0% more expensive than East Chicago, IN. This translates to spending an extra $452 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in East Chicago, IN, you'd need approximately $155,423.359 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 16.3% more expensive than in East Chicago, IN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $794/month in East Chicago, IN.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $452 more per month than East Chicago, IN, or $5423 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

East Chicago, IN vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 East Chicago, IN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in East Chicago, IN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $452/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.4K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 6.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$452

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.4K

Per year

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

East Chicago, IN

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$125K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:106

Median Home:$558K

East Chicago, IN

The Hoosier State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 26K 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: East Chicago, IN vs Austin, TX

Category	East Chicago, IN	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,480/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $404more	16.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,510/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $226less	15.0%
📦Other	$1,580/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $161more	10.2%
⚡All Utilities	$492/mo	$541/mo	↑ $48.86more	9.9%
🏥Healthcare	$564/mo	$589/mo	↑ $24.74more	4.4%
🛒Groceries	$976/mo	$959/mo	↓ $16.41less	1.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 16.3%

East Chicago, IN

$2,480

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$404

🚗Transportation

↓ 15.0%

East Chicago, IN

$1,510

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$226

less

📦Other

↑ 10.2%

East Chicago, IN

$1,580

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$161

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.9%

East Chicago, IN

$492

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$48.86

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.4%

East Chicago, IN

$564

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$24.74

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.7%

East Chicago, IN

$976

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$16.41

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$581

To$1,585

↑ $1,004

1 Bed

From$649

To$1,685

↑ $1,036

2 Bed

From$794

To$1,995

↑ $1,201

3 Bed

From$970

To$2,525

↑ $1,555

East Chicago, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $850–$850/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.

$7,601

Monthly in East Chicago, IN

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$397

Difference

Home Values

East Chicago

Austin

$125K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +52.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$125K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 345% more expensive than East Chicago

Calculate payment - East Chicago Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$404

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.2%

Rate difference

East Chicago, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

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

East Chicago, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.