Side-by-side comparison

Chicago vs Austin

Cost of living comparison for Chicago, Illinois and Austin, Texas.

Bottom line

Chicago is approximately 0% more expensive than Austin. A single person needs about $3,707/mo in Chicago versus $3,706/mo in Austin.

Rent in Chicago vs Austin

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Chicago · Studio

$1,458

Austin · Studio

$1,549

Austin is $91 (6%) higher than Chicago

Chicago · 1 bedroom

$1,560

Austin · 1 bedroom

$1,650

Austin is $90 (6%) higher than Chicago

Chicago · 2 bedroom

$1,761

Austin · 2 bedroom

$1,949

Austin is $188 (11%) higher than Chicago

Chicago · 3 bedroom

$2,262

Austin · 3 bedroom

$2,484

Austin is $222 (10%) higher than Chicago

Income & earnings in Chicago vs Austin

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Chicago · Household income

$81,797

Austin · Household income

$97,169

Austin is $15,372 (19%) higher than Chicago

Chicago · Individual earnings

$49,298

Austin · Individual earnings

$55,186

Austin is $5,888 (12%) higher than Chicago

Chicago · Per capita

$47,801

Austin · Per capita

$59,289

Austin is $11,488 (24%) higher than Chicago

Home values in Chicago vs Austin

Average values and property tax.

Chicago · Average home value

$305,200

Austin · Average home value

$487,600

Austin is $182,400 (60%) higher than Chicago

Chicago · Annual property tax

$6,053

Austin · Annual property tax

$7,487

Austin is $1,434 (24%) higher than Chicago

Energy in Chicago vs Austin

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Chicago · Monthly electricity

$116

Austin · Monthly electricity

$167

Austin is $51 (44%) higher than Chicago

Chicago · Monthly gas

$61

Austin · Monthly gas

$32

Chicago is $29 (91%) higher than Austin

Chicago · Annual total

$2,124

Austin · Annual total

$2,388

Austin is $264 (12%) higher than Chicago

Healthcare in Chicago vs Austin

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Chicago · Individual premium

$480

Austin · Individual premium

$480

Chicago and Austin are about the same

Chicago · Family premium

$1,350

Austin · Family premium

$1,350

Chicago and Austin are about the same

Chicago · Uninsured rate

9.0%

Austin · Uninsured rate

12.2%

Austin is 3.2% (36%) higher than Chicago

Taxes in Chicago vs Austin

State income and sales tax.

Chicago · State income tax

5.0%

Austin · State income tax

0.0%

Chicago is 5.0% higher than Austin

Chicago · State sales tax

6.3%

Austin · State sales tax

6.3%

Chicago and Austin are about the same

Chicago · Combined sales tax

8.8%

Austin · Combined sales tax

8.2%

Chicago is 0.6% (8%) higher than Austin

Transportation in Chicago vs Austin

Commute time and travel modes.

Chicago · Average commute

31.9 min

Austin · Average commute

25.4 min

Chicago is 6.5 min (26%) higher than Austin

Chicago · Drive alone

56.2%

Austin · Drive alone

59.7%

Austin is 3.5% (6%) higher than Chicago

Chicago · Public transit

13.0%

Austin · Public transit

1.7%

Chicago is 11.3% (665%) higher than Austin

Monthly cost estimates in Chicago vs Austin

All categories combined.

Chicago · Single person

$3,707

Austin · Single person

$3,706

Chicago is $1 (0%) higher than Austin

Chicago · Couple

$5,165

Austin · Couple

$5,280

Austin is $115 (2%) higher than Chicago

Chicago · Family

$7,811

Austin · Family

$7,957

Austin is $146 (2%) higher than Chicago

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Chicago and Austin.

Is Chicago or Austin more expensive?

Chicago is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $3,707/mo in Chicago, Illinois and $3,706/mo in Austin, Texas, a difference of about 0%.

What is the rent difference between Chicago and Austin?

Average one-bedroom rent in Chicago, Illinois is $1,560/mo versus $1,650/mo in Austin, Texas. Austin is approximately $90 (6%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Chicago or Austin?

Austin has the higher average household income. Chicago households earn approximately $81,797 per year; Austin households earn approximately $97,169 per year.

More on Chicago and Austin

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

Chicago profile Austin profile Compare different areas

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.