Is Austin, TX cheaper than Oak Forest, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 6.0% more expensive than Oak Forest, IL. This translates to spending an extra $449 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Oak Forest, IL, you'd need approximately $155,390.665 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 16.3% more expensive than in Oak Forest, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,230/month in Oak Forest, IL.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $449 more per month than Oak Forest, IL, or $5391 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Oak Forest, IL vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Oak Forest, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $449/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

$449

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.4K

Per year

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

Oak Forest, IL

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$278K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:106

Median Home:$558K

Oak Forest, IL

The Prairie State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, 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: Oak Forest, IL vs Austin, TX

Category	Oak Forest, IL	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,481/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	↑ $48.78more	9.9%
🏥Healthcare	$564/mo	$589/mo	↑ $24.65more	4.4%
🛒Groceries	$976/mo	$959/mo	↓ $16.58less	1.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 16.3%

Oak Forest, IL

$2,481

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$404

🚗Transportation

↓ 15.0%

Oak Forest, IL

$1,510

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$226

less

📦Other

↑ 10.2%

Oak Forest, IL

$1,580

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$161

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.9%

Oak Forest, IL

$492

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$48.78

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.4%

Oak Forest, IL

$564

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$24.65

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.7%

Oak Forest, IL

$976

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$16.58

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,024

To$1,585

↑ $561

1 Bed

From$1,093

To$1,685

↑ $592

2 Bed

From$1,230

To$1,995

↑ $765

3 Bed

From$1,582

To$2,525

↑ $943

Oak Forest, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,430–$1,430/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.

$7,604

Monthly in Oak Forest, IL

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$395

Difference

Home Values

Oak Forest

Austin

$278K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +3%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +33.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$278K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 100% more expensive than Oak Forest

Calculate payment - Oak Forest 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

Oak Forest, 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

Oak Forest, 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.