Median rent is 17% lower in Killeen ($1,147/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Killeen, where the median home runs $196,000 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $58,339 a year). Taken together, Killeen is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.0 against 105.7 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Killeen is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.0 in Killeen vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Killeen, TX
How much would you need to earn in Killeen, TX to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Killeen, TX
$65,254
You could earn $9,746 less (13% 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
Killeen
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Killeen at $1,147/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (17% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $196,000 in Killeen — 38% 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 Killeen a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.25% in Texas; Killeen has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Killeen
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Killeen.
Pick Killeen if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.0 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Killeen if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,147/mo median).
Pick Killeen if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than Killeen?
Killeen is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.0 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Killeen.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Killeen?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,147/mo in Killeen, TX. Killeen, TX has the lower rent by about 17%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Killeen?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $58,339 in Killeen, 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 Killeen?
Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Killeen to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $87,005 in Killeen, 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