salaryAustin is 6% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Chicago to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,932
$1,983
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,941
$1,622
💵 Families earn per year
$101,010
$84,017
🔑 Buying a house
$555,300
$334,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.1
103.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$8,024
$4,943
⚡ Electric bill per month
$134
$90
👥 People living there
979,539
2,711,226
Commute to work
23.7 min
33.1 min
College degree
59.6%
44.3%
Own their home
43.4%
46%
Below poverty line
12%
16.8%
Unemployment
4.7%
8%
Bottom line
- Pick Austin for lower rent, higher incomes, shorter commutes and 3 more.
- Pick Chicago for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Austin | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $60,390 | $102,350 | +69% in Chicago |
| Plumber | $62,810 | $103,380 | +65% in Chicago |
| Carpenter | $50,260 | $80,440 | +60% in Chicago |
| Firefighter | $58,830 | $82,820 | +41% in Chicago |
| Police Officer | $82,290 | $107,810 | +31% in Chicago |
| HVAC Technician | $60,820 | $77,960 | +28% in Chicago |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,270 | $78,390 | +28% in Chicago |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,550 | $46,940 | +22% in Chicago |
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Austin is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,932 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match $60,000 in Austin?
About $63,383 a year gives the same standard of living in Chicago.
Where do people earn more, Austin or Chicago?
The typical household earns $101,010 in Austin and $84,017 in Chicago, 20% more in Austin.