Median rent is 25% lower in El Paso ($1,041/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in El Paso, where the median home runs $171,700 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $58,734 a year). Taken together, El Paso is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.1 against 105.7 — about 8% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
El Paso is 8% cheaper overall
Cost index: 97.1 in El Paso vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
El Paso, TX
How much would you need to earn in El Paso, TX to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in El Paso, TX
$68,881
You could earn $6,119 less (8% lower) and break even.
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
Chicago
Illinois
El Paso
Texas
👥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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in El Paso — median rent of $1,041/mo versus $1,380/mo in Chicago, a 25% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $171,700 in El Paso — 46% 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 El Paso a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.25% in Texas; El Paso has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
El Paso
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 153.0 AQI (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick El Paso if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 97.1 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick El Paso if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,041/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Is Chicago cheaper than El Paso?
El Paso is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.1 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 8% lower in El Paso.
How much is rent in Chicago vs El Paso?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,041/mo in El Paso, TX. El Paso, TX has the lower rent by about 25%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or El Paso?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $58,734 in El Paso, TX. Chicago, IL 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 153.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or El Paso?
Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in El Paso to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $91,842 in El Paso, TX (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