Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Chicago vs ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Houston

Houston is 21.0% cheaper

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Category ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Chicago ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Houston Difference
Cost of Living 68.0 53.7 -21.0%
Rent 52.6 38.1 -27.6%
Groceries 83.5 66.2 -20.7%
Restaurants 83.9 73.9 -11.9%
Purchasing Power 141.4 161.1 +13.9%
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.
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๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Cost of Living in Chicago
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๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Cost of Living in Houston
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๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Should I Move to Houston?