Median rent is 23% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,792/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $479,400. Households earn more in The Woodlands ($141,353 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, The Woodlands 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 The Woodlands, TX.
Quick verdict
The Woodlands is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in The Woodlands vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
The Woodlands, TX
How much would you need to earn in The Woodlands, TX to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in The Woodlands, TX
$70,080
You could earn $4,920 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
The Woodlands
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 Chicago — median rent of $1,380/mo versus $1,792/mo in The Woodlands, a 23% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in The Woodlands: the median home is $479,400 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 34% 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 The Woodlands a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.25% in Texas; The Woodlands has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
The Woodlands
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for The Woodlands.
Pick The Woodlands if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 105.7).
Pick The Woodlands if you prioritize higher median household income ($141,353/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick The Woodlands if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than The Woodlands?
The Woodlands 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 The Woodlands.
How much is rent in Chicago vs The Woodlands?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,792/mo in The Woodlands, TX. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 23%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $141,353 in The Woodlands, TX. The Woodlands, 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 The Woodlands?
Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in The Woodlands to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $93,440 in The Woodlands, 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