Is Austin, TX cheaper than Skokie, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 3.7% more expensive than Skokie, IL. This translates to spending an extra $279 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Skokie, IL, you'd need approximately $153,344.062 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 13.8% more expensive than in Skokie, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,464/month in Skokie, IL.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $279 more per month than Skokie, IL, or $3344 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Skokie, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $279/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.3K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 3.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$279

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.3K

Per year

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

Skokie, IL

Population:65K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$386K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$558K

Skokie, IL

The Prairie State

65K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 65K 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: Skokie, IL vs Austin, TX

Category	Skokie, IL	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,535/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $349more	13.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,544/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $260less	16.8%
📦Other	$1,615/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $126more	7.8%
⚡All Utilities	$498/mo	$541/mo	↑ $43.41more	8.7%
🛒Groceries	$986/mo	$959/mo	↓ $27.22less	2.8%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$589/mo	↑ $18.50more	3.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 13.8%

Skokie, IL

$2,535

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$349

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.8%

Skokie, IL

$1,544

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$260

less

📦Other

↑ 7.8%

Skokie, IL

$1,615

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$126

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.7%

Skokie, IL

$498

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$43.41

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.8%

Skokie, IL

$986

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$27.22

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.2%

Skokie, IL

$570

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$18.50

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,218

To$1,585

↑ $367

1 Bed

From$1,300

To$1,685

↑ $385

2 Bed

From$1,464

To$1,995

↑ $531

3 Bed

From$1,886

To$2,525

↑ $639

Skokie, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,730/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.

$7,748

Monthly in Skokie, IL

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$251

Difference

Home Values

Skokie

Austin

$386K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +5.7%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +33.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$347K - $424K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 45% more expensive than Skokie

Calculate payment - Skokie 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

Skokie, 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

Skokie, 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.