Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Chicago vs ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Austin

Austin is 16.5% cheaper

Add your salary for a personalized comparison

See exact tax differences, net income, and savings potential.

$ gross / year

Or see the worked example at $100,000 a year

Category ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Chicago ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Austin Difference
Cost of Living 68.0 56.8 -16.5%
Rent 52.6 43.1 -18.1%
Groceries 83.5 72.1 -13.7%
Restaurants 83.9 82.0 -2.3%
Purchasing Power 141.4 167.7 +18.6%
Data from March โ€“ October 2026 · Cost of living: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available. Rent, groceries, restaurants and purchasing power: Numbeo (NYC = 100) · Indices reflect relative costs; absolute prices vary by neighbourhood.
Explore
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Cost of Living in Chicago
Explore
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Cost of Living in Austin
Explore
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Should I Move to Chicago?
Explore
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Should I Move to Austin?