Is Austin, TX cheaper than Waukegan, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 4.9% more expensive than Waukegan, IL. This translates to spending an extra $370 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Waukegan, IL, you'd need approximately $154,440.588 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 15.1% more expensive than in Waukegan, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,258/month in Waukegan, IL.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $370 more per month than Waukegan, IL, or $4441 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Waukegan, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $370/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.4K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 4.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$370

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.4K

Per year

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

Waukegan, IL

Population:88K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$250K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$558K

Waukegan, IL

The Prairie State

88K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 88K 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: Waukegan, IL vs Austin, TX

Category	Waukegan, IL	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,506/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $379more	15.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,526/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $242less	15.8%
📦Other	$1,596/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $145more	9.1%
⚡All Utilities	$495/mo	$541/mo	↑ $46.31more	9.4%
🏥Healthcare	$567/mo	$589/mo	↑ $21.82more	3.8%
🛒Groceries	$981/mo	$959/mo	↓ $21.47less	2.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 15.1%

Waukegan, IL

$2,506

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$379

🚗Transportation

↓ 15.8%

Waukegan, IL

$1,526

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$242

less

📦Other

↑ 9.1%

Waukegan, IL

$1,596

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$145

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.4%

Waukegan, IL

$495

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$46.31

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.8%

Waukegan, IL

$567

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$21.82

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.2%

Waukegan, IL

$981

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$21.47

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,042

To$1,585

↑ $543

1 Bed

From$1,119

To$1,685

↑ $566

2 Bed

From$1,258

To$1,995

↑ $737

3 Bed

From$1,621

To$2,525

↑ $904

Waukegan, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,450–$1,450/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.

$7,670

Monthly in Waukegan, IL

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$329

Difference

Home Values

Waukegan

Austin

$250K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +7.6%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +55.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$250K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 123% more expensive than Waukegan

Calculate payment - Waukegan 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

Waukegan, 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

Waukegan, 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.