Median rent is 17% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Austin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 105.7 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Austin is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Austin vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Chicago, IL
How much would you need to earn in Chicago, IL to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Chicago, IL
$80,234
You'd need $5,234 more (7% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Chicago
Illinois
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Chicago at $1,380/mo compared to $1,655/mo in Austin (17% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 39% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Illinois tops out at 4.95% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.25% in Illinois; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 105.7).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Is Austin cheaper than Chicago?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Austin vs Chicago?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 17%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Chicago?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $75,134 in Chicago, IL. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Chicago?
Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $106,979 in Chicago, IL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology