Median rent is 10% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,536/mo). Buying is cheaper in New Braunfels, where the median home runs $315,100 versus $315,200. Households earn more in New Braunfels ($88,257 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, New Braunfels is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.0 against 105.7 — about 10% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New Braunfels, TX.
Quick verdict
New Braunfels is 10% cheaper overall
Cost index: 95.0 in New Braunfels vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
New Braunfels, TX
How much would you need to earn in New Braunfels, TX to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in New Braunfels, TX
$67,408
You could earn $7,592 less (10% 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
New Braunfels
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 Chicago at $1,380/mo compared to $1,536/mo in New Braunfels (10% gap). Median home values are within 0% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $315,100 in New Braunfels.
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 New Braunfels a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.25% in Texas; New Braunfels has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
New Braunfels
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for New Braunfels.
Pick New Braunfels if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 95.0 vs 105.7).
Pick New Braunfels if you prioritize higher median household income ($88,257/yr).
Pick New Braunfels if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than New Braunfels?
New Braunfels is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.0 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 10% lower in New Braunfels.
How much is rent in Chicago vs New Braunfels?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,536/mo in New Braunfels, TX. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 10%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or New Braunfels?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $88,257 in New Braunfels, TX. New Braunfels, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or New Braunfels?
Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in New Braunfels to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $89,878 in New Braunfels, 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