Quick answer
Austin is 51% cheaper than Chicago overall. A $100K salary in Austin is equivalent to $151,000 in Chicago.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Austin vs Chicago 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 51% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+12% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$151,000
Austin vs Chicago: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,650/mo
$1,850/mo
+12%
2BR median rent
$2,100/mo
$2,350/mo
+12%
Median home price
$548K
$340K
-38%
Avg monthly groceries
$380
$390
+3%
Avg monthly utilities
$175
$155
-11%
State income tax
None
4.95%
Austin saves
Walk score
41/100
78/100
Chicago better
Transit score
34/100
65/100
Chicago better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Chicago to maintain the same standard of living as your current Austin salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$90,000
$40,000
$80,000
$120,000
$53,000
$100,000
$151,000
$66,000
$120,000
$181,000
$80,000
$150,000
$226,000
$100,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Austin vs Chicago
Who Each City Is Best For
Austin is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓young professionals
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓musicians
Chicago is best for
- ✓urban explorers
- ✓foodies
- ✓architecture lovers
- ✓transit users
FAQs
Is Austin or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Austin is 51% 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 Chicago to match $100K in Austin?
$151,000 in Chicago is equivalent to $100,000 in Austin based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+12% difference) and state taxes (Austin: None vs Chicago: 4.95%).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Chicago?
1BR: Austin $1,650/mo vs Chicago $1,850/mo (+12%). 2BR: Austin $2,100/mo vs Chicago $2,350/mo (+12%).
Does Austin or Chicago have lower taxes?
Austin (TX) has None state income tax. Chicago (IL) has 4.95% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$4,950.