Austin vs Chicago
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, state income tax, housing estimates, and salary equivalents between Austin, TX and Chicago, IL.
Austin, TX
COL Index
112
Monthly Budget
$5,600
State Tax
None
Population
1.0M
Chicago, IL
COL Index
107
Monthly Budget
$5,350
State Tax
5.0%
Population
2.7M
Austin is 5% more expensive than Chicago
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household in each city.
| Category | Austin | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,947 | $1,823 | +$124 |
| Groceries | $712 | $686 | +$26 |
| Transport | $886 | $850 | +$36 |
| Healthcare | $434 | $420 | +$14 |
| Utilities | $336 | $321 | +$15 |
| Other | $1,315 | $1,267 | +$48 |
| Total | $5,600 | $5,350 | +$250 |
Tax Comparison on $100K Salary
Estimated annual taxes for a single filer earning $100,000 in each city.
| Component | Austin (TX) | Chicago (IL) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 | $0 |
| State Tax | $0 | $4,950 | -$4,950 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 | $0 |
| Total Tax | $20,820 | $25,770 | -$4,950 |
| Take-Home Pay | $79,180 | $74,230 | +$4,950 |
Salary Equivalent
What a Austin salary is worth in Chicago (and vice versa), adjusted for cost of living.
| Austin Salary | Equivalent in Chicago | Chicago Salary | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $47,768 | $50,000 | $52,336 |
| $75,000 | $71,652 | $75,000 | $78,505 |
| $100,000 | $95,536 | $100,000 | $104,673 |
| $150,000 | $143,304 | $150,000 | $157,009 |