Median rent is 29% lower in Huntsville ($981/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Huntsville, where the median home runs $225,800 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $45,401 a year). Taken together, Huntsville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 88.3 against 105.7 — about 16% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Huntsville is 16% cheaper overall
Cost index: 88.3 in Huntsville vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Huntsville, TX
How much would you need to earn in Huntsville, TX to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Huntsville, TX
$62,666
You could earn $12,334 less (16% 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
Huntsville
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 Huntsville — median rent of $981/mo versus $1,380/mo in Chicago, a 29% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $225,800 in Huntsville — 28% 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 Huntsville a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.25% in Texas; Huntsville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Huntsville
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Huntsville.
Pick Huntsville if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 88.3 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Huntsville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($981/mo median).
Pick Huntsville if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than Huntsville?
Huntsville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 88.3 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 16% lower in Huntsville.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Huntsville?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $981/mo in Huntsville, TX. Huntsville, TX has the lower rent by about 29%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Huntsville?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $45,401 in Huntsville, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Huntsville?
Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Huntsville to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $83,555 in Huntsville, 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