Median rent is 19% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,713/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $383,700. Households earn more in Round Rock ($97,187 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Round Rock 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 Round Rock, TX.
Quick verdict
Round Rock is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Round Rock vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Round Rock, TX
How much would you need to earn in Round Rock, TX to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Round Rock, TX
$70,107
You could earn $4,893 less (7% 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
Round Rock
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 $1,713/mo in Round Rock (19% gap). Median home values are within 18% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $383,700 in Round Rock.
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 Round Rock a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.25% in Texas; Round Rock has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Round Rock
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Round Rock.
Pick Round Rock if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 105.7).
Pick Round Rock if you prioritize higher median household income ($97,187/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Round Rock if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than Round Rock?
Round Rock 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 Round Rock.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Round Rock?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,713/mo in Round Rock, TX. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 19%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Round Rock?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $97,187 in Round Rock, TX. Round Rock, 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 Round Rock?
Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Round Rock to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $93,476 in Round Rock, 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