Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Houston is 10% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $67,290 in Houston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Houston sits at 89 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $250,000 in Houston, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,400 in Houston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Houston scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Houston (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $52,338 in Houston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Houston.
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