Is Chicago, IL cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 12.0% more expensive than Houston, TX. This translates to spending an extra $902 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $160,818.653 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Chicago, IL is 40.0% more expensive than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

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

Living in Chicago, IL costs approximately $902 more per month than Houston, TX, or $10819 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Houston, TX

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Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $902/month more in Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.8K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 12.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$902

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.8K

Per year

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$245K

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:112

Median Home:$305K

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

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: Houston, TX vs Chicago, IL

Category	Houston, TX	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,191/mo	$3,066/mo	↑ $876more	40.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,680/mo	↑ $231more	15.9%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $118more	12.9%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$519/mo	↓ $33.33less	6.0%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$595/mo	↑ $32.84more	5.8%
📦Other	$1,768/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $10.04less	0.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 40.0%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$876

🚗Transportation

↑ 15.9%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$231

🛒Groceries

↑ 12.9%

Houston, TX

$911

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$118

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.0%

Houston, TX

$552

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$33.33

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.8%

Houston, TX

$562

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$32.84

📦Other

↓ 0.6%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$10.04

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,220

To$1,600

↑ $380

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,710

↑ $450

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,925

↑ $425

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$2,480

↑ $460

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$1,214

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Chicago

$245K

Median Value

$305K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 24% more expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston 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

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

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

Houston, 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.