Median rent is 17% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,656/mo). Buying is cheaper in Spring, where the median home runs $221,300 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Spring ($86,888 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Spring is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 90.0 against 105.7 — about 15% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Spring, TX.
Quick verdict
Spring is 15% cheaper overall
Cost index: 90.0 in Spring vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Spring, TX
How much would you need to earn in Spring, TX to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Spring, TX
$63,863
You could earn $11,137 less (15% 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
Spring
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 $1,656/mo in Spring (17% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $221,300 in Spring — 30% 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 Spring a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.25% in Texas; Spring has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Spring
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Spring.
Pick Spring if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 90.0 vs 105.7).
Pick Spring if you prioritize higher median household income ($86,888/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Spring if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than Spring?
Spring is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 90.0 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 15% lower in Spring.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Spring?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,656/mo in Spring, TX. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 17%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Spring?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $86,888 in Spring, TX. Spring, 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 Spring?
Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Spring to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $85,150 in Spring, 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