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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Chicago, IL

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

3.9% Chicago, IL is more expensive overall
11.0% 11.0% cheaper housing
8.3% 8.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 11.0% cheaper
Austin
118
Chicago
105
🛒 Groceries 8.3% more
Austin
96
Chicago
104
🚗 Transportation 16.3% more
Austin
98
Chicago
114
🏥 Healthcare 6.2% more
Austin
97
Chicago
103
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Austin
99
Chicago
101

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Chicago, IL Difference
Overall Cost Index1031073.9% more
Housing11810511.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,70017.2% more
Median Home Price$425,000$310,00027.1% less
Groceries961048.3% more
Transportation9811416.3% more
Healthcare971036.2% more
Utilities99101~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Chicago, IL
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.95%
State Sales Tax6.25%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%1.95%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Chicago costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Chicago to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Chicago (107). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Chicago4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Chicago2.1%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Chicago35 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Chicago78
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Chicago44
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Chicago50°F
Population
Austin979,882
Chicago2,665,039

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Chicago → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Chicago →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Chicago vs Portland → Chicago vs Phoenix → Chicago vs Miami →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Chicago cheaper to live in?+
Austin is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 11.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Chicago?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,700/month in Chicago — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Chicago?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Chicago?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $74,000 in Chicago. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Chicago?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $310,000 in Chicago — a difference of $115,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Illinois averages 1.95%.