Home › Compare › Chicago, IL vs Houston, TX

Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Houston, TX

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

10.3% Houston, TX is cheaper overall
12.4% 12.4% cheaper housing
9.6% 9.6% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 12.4% cheaper
Chicago
105
Houston
92
🛒 Groceries 9.6% cheaper
Chicago
104
Houston
94
🚗 Transportation 12.3% cheaper
Chicago
114
Houston
100
🏥 Healthcare 7.8% cheaper
Chicago
103
Houston
95
⚡ Utilities 5.0% more
Chicago
101
Houston
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Houston, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1079610.3% less
Housing1059212.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,20029.4% less
Median Home Price$310,000$295,0004.8% less
Groceries104949.6% less
Transportation11410012.3% less
Healthcare103957.8% less
Utilities1011065.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Houston, TX
State Income Tax4.95%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
Houston, TX
$67,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Houston outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Houston (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Houston4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Houston3.1%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Houston30 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Houston33
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Houston52
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Houston70°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Houston2,304,580

Moving from Chicago to Houston?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Houston cheaper to live in?+
Houston is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 12.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Houston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,200/month in Houston — a difference of about $500 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Houston?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Chicago to Houston?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $67,000 in Houston. 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 Chicago vs Houston?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $295,000 in Houston — a difference of $15,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Texas averages 1.60%.