Is Chicago, IL cheaper than San Antonio, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 18.8% more expensive than San Antonio, TX. This translates to spending an extra $1409 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Antonio, TX, you'd need approximately $166,912.088 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Chicago, IL is 46.0% more expensive than in San Antonio, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $1,470/month in San Antonio, TX.

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

Living in Chicago, IL costs approximately $1409 more per month than San Antonio, TX, or $16912 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Antonio, TX

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Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Antonio, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.4K/month more in Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $166.9K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 18.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,409

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$16.9K

Per year

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

San Antonio, TX

Population:1547K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$215K

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:119

Median Home:$305K

San Antonio, TX

The Lone Star State

1.5M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 1.5M residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

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: San Antonio, TX vs Chicago, IL

Category	San Antonio, TX	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,100/mo	$3,066/mo	↑ $967more	46.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,287/mo	$1,680/mo	↑ $393more	30.6%
🛒Groceries	$913/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $116more	12.7%
📦Other	$1,647/mo	$1,758/mo	↑ $110more	6.7%
🏥Healthcare	$527/mo	$595/mo	↑ $68.15more	12.9%
⚡All Utilities	$496/mo	$519/mo	↑ $23.50more	4.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 46.0%

San Antonio, TX

$2,100

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$967

🚗Transportation

↑ 30.6%

San Antonio, TX

$1,287

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$393

🛒Groceries

↑ 12.7%

San Antonio, TX

$913

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$116

📦Other

↑ 6.7%

San Antonio, TX

$1,647

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$110

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.9%

San Antonio, TX

$527

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$68.15

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.7%

San Antonio, TX

$496

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$23.50

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,110

To$1,600

↑ $490

1 Bed

From$1,210

To$1,710

↑ $500

2 Bed

From$1,470

To$1,925

↑ $455

3 Bed

From$1,890

To$2,480

↑ $590

San Antonio, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $840–$1,770/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.

$6,969

Monthly in San Antonio, TX

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$1,678

Difference

Home Values

San Antonio

Chicago

$215K

Median Value

$305K

↓ -2.9%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +16.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$107K - $905K

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 42% more expensive than San Antonio

Calculate payment - San Antonio 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

San Antonio, 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

San Antonio, 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.