Quick answer
Austin is 34% cheaper than Chicago overall. A $100K salary in Chicago is equivalent to $66,000 in Austin.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Chicago vs Austin Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Austin is 34% cheaper
1BR rent difference
-11% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$66,000
Chicago vs Austin: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,850/mo
$1,650/mo
-11%
2BR median rent
$2,350/mo
$2,100/mo
-11%
Median home price
$340K
$548K
+61%
Avg monthly groceries
$390
$380
-3%
Avg monthly utilities
$155
$175
+13%
State income tax
4.95%
None
Austin saves
Walk score
78/100
41/100
Chicago better
Transit score
65/100
34/100
Chicago better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Austin to maintain the same standard of living as your current Chicago salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$40,000
$90,000
$80,000
$53,000
$120,000
$100,000
$66,000
$151,000
$120,000
$80,000
$181,000
$150,000
$100,000
$226,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Chicago vs Austin
Who Each City Is Best For
Chicago is best for
- ✓urban explorers
- ✓foodies
- ✓architecture lovers
- ✓transit users
Austin is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓young professionals
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓musicians
FAQs
Is Chicago or Austin cheaper to live in?
Austin is 34% cheaper than Chicago overall. Austin 1BR rent ($1,650/mo) vs Chicago ($1,850/mo). Median home price: Austin $548K vs Chicago $340K.
How much salary do I need in Austin to match $100K in Chicago?
$66,000 in Austin is equivalent to $100,000 in Chicago based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (-11% difference) and state taxes (Chicago: 4.95% vs Austin: None).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Austin?
1BR: Chicago $1,850/mo vs Austin $1,650/mo (-11%). 2BR: Chicago $2,350/mo vs Austin $2,100/mo (-11%).
Does Chicago or Austin have lower taxes?
Chicago (IL) has 4.95% state income tax. Austin (TX) has None state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$4,950.