Is Austin, TX cheaper than Wheaton, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 4.2% more expensive than Wheaton, IL. This translates to spending an extra $316 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Wheaton, IL, you'd need approximately $153,796.998 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 14.3% more expensive than in Wheaton, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,655/month in Wheaton, IL.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $316 more per month than Wheaton, IL, or $3797 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Wheaton, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $316/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.8K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 4.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$316

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.8K

Per year

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

Wheaton, IL

Population:53K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$472K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$558K

Wheaton, IL

The Prairie State

53K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 53K 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: Wheaton, IL vs Austin, TX

Category	Wheaton, IL	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,523/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $361more	14.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,536/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $252less	16.4%
📦Other	$1,607/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $134more	8.3%
⚡All Utilities	$496/mo	$541/mo	↑ $44.61more	9.0%
🛒Groceries	$984/mo	$959/mo	↓ $24.83less	2.5%
🏥Healthcare	$569/mo	$589/mo	↑ $19.88more	3.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 14.3%

Wheaton, IL

$2,523

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$361

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.4%

Wheaton, IL

$1,536

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$252

less

📦Other

↑ 8.3%

Wheaton, IL

$1,607

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$134

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.0%

Wheaton, IL

$496

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$44.61

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.5%

Wheaton, IL

$984

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$24.83

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.5%

Wheaton, IL

$569

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$19.88

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,375

To$1,585

↑ $210

1 Bed

From$1,469

To$1,685

↑ $216

2 Bed

From$1,655

To$1,995

↑ $340

3 Bed

From$2,129

To$2,525

↑ $396

Wheaton, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,890–$1,890/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.

$7,715

Monthly in Wheaton, IL

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$283

Difference

Home Values

Wheaton

Austin

$472K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +6.5%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +32.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$472K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 18% more expensive than Wheaton

Calculate payment - Wheaton 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

Wheaton, 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

Wheaton, 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.