Chicago vs Houston
Cost of Living (2026)

Houston is 15% more affordable than Chicago. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Illinois's 4.95%.

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At a glance

Chicago, IL

COL index107
State income tax4.95%
Avg 1BR rent$1,650/mo
Median home price$330K
VS

Houston, TX

COL index91 ✓
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,250/mo ✓
Median home price$290K ✓

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryChicago indexHouston indexDifference
Housing139118 ✓-21%
Groceries10187 ✓-14%
Transportation10288 ✓-14%
Healthcare10488 ✓-16%
Utilities10189 ✓-12%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Chicago → Houston

What salary in Houston gives you the same purchasing power as your Chicago salary?

Salary in ChicagoEquivalent in HoustonDifference
$60,000$47,000$-13,000
$80,000$63,000$-17,000
$100,000$79,000$-21,000
$130,000$103,000$-27,000
$150,000$119,000$-31,000
$200,000$158,000$-42,000

Chicago vs Houston: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Chicago, IL and Houston, TX, Houston comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 91 versus 107 for Chicago — a difference of approximately 15%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston workers an immediate 4.95% take-home pay advantage over Chicago workers who pay Illinois's 4.95% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in Chicago is $330,000, compared to $290,000 in Houston. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,650/month in Chicago versus $1,250/month in Houston.

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