Chicago, IL vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Chicago, IL and Austin, TX. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Chicago, IL
IL
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 105.7
- Housing RPP
- 110.9
- Goods RPP
- 106.7
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,714/mo
Illinois flat income tax 4.95%. Chicago city tax adds ~2.25% effective burden.
Austin, TX
TX
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 98.8
- Housing RPP
- 126.4
- Goods RPP
- 93.6
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,924/mo
Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~2% effective rate.
Equivalent salary
Austin, TX is cheaper than Chicago, IL by about 6.5% (RPP 105.7 to 98.8).
$60,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $56,083
in Austin, TX
$100,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $93,472
in Austin, TX
$150,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $140,208
in Austin, TX
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Austin, TX cheaper or more expensive than Chicago, IL?
- Austin, TX (RPP 98.8) is cheaper than Chicago, IL (RPP 105.7) by about 6.5%.
- What salary do I need in Austin, TX if I earn $100,000 in Chicago, IL?
- You would need approximately $93,472 in Austin, TX to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Chicago, IL. Formula: $100,000 x (98.8 / 105.7).