Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

🇺🇸 Chicago vs 🇺🇸 Austin

2026

Austin is 6.4% cheaper
Category 🇺🇸 Chicago 🇺🇸 Austin Difference
Cost of Living 76.1 71.2 -6.4%
Rent 53.5 45.1 -15.7%
Groceries 88.6 78.5 -11.4%
Restaurants 75.6 76.6 +1.3%
Purchasing Power 141.4 160.9 +13.8%
Data verified Q1 2026 · Source: Numbeo cost-of-living indices (NYC = 100 baseline) · Indices reflect relative costs; absolute prices vary by neighbourhood.

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