Is Austin, TX cheaper than Niles, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 5.7% more expensive than Niles, IL. This translates to spending an extra $426 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Niles, IL, you'd need approximately $155,117.005 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 15.9% more expensive than in Niles, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,195/month in Niles, IL.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $426 more per month than Niles, IL, or $5117 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Niles, IL vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Niles, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $426/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.1K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 5.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$426

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.1K

Per year

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

Niles, IL

Population:30K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$383K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:106

Median Home:$558K

Niles, IL

The Prairie State

30K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 30K 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: Niles, IL vs Austin, TX

Category	Niles, IL	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,488/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $396more	15.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,515/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $231less	15.2%
📦Other	$1,585/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $156more	9.9%
⚡All Utilities	$493/mo	$541/mo	↑ $48.07more	9.8%
🏥Healthcare	$565/mo	$589/mo	↑ $23.84more	4.2%
🛒Groceries	$977/mo	$959/mo	↓ $17.98less	1.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 15.9%

Niles, IL

$2,488

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$396

🚗Transportation

↓ 15.2%

Niles, IL

$1,515

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$231

less

📦Other

↑ 9.9%

Niles, IL

$1,585

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$156

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.8%

Niles, IL

$493

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$48.07

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.2%

Niles, IL

$565

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$23.84

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.8%

Niles, IL

$977

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$17.98

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$996

To$1,585

↑ $589

1 Bed

From$1,058

To$1,685

↑ $627

2 Bed

From$1,195

To$1,995

↑ $800

3 Bed

From$1,540

To$2,525

↑ $985

Niles, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,380–$1,380/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.

$7,623

Monthly in Niles, IL

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$376

Difference

Home Values

Niles

Austin

$383K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +6.5%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +35.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$383K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 46% more expensive than Niles

Calculate payment - Niles 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

Niles, 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

Niles, 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.