salaryBrownsville is 20% 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
$1,204
$1,983
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$955
$1,622
💵 Families earn per year
$56,222
$84,017
🔑 Buying a house
$139,900
$334,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
86.0
103.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,349
$4,943
⚡ Electric bill per month
$198
$90
👥 People living there
189,177
2,711,226
Commute to work
21.4 min
33.1 min
College degree
24.5%
44.3%
Own their home
61.7%
46%
Below poverty line
23.7%
16.8%
Unemployment
6.2%
8%
Bottom line
- Pick Brownsville for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Brownsville | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $35,640 | $80,440 | +126% in Chicago |
| Electrician | $46,080 | $102,350 | +122% in Chicago |
| Plumber | $46,850 | $103,380 | +121% in Chicago |
| Police Officer | $56,820 | $107,810 | +90% in Chicago |
| Firefighter | $46,220 | $82,820 | +79% in Chicago |
| Market Research Analyst | $47,320 | $80,400 | +70% in Chicago |
| HVAC Technician | $47,910 | $77,960 | +63% in Chicago |
| Lawyer | $103,100 | $165,660 | +61% in Chicago |
Frequently asked questions
Is Brownsville or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Brownsville is about 20% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,204 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match $60,000 in Brownsville?
About $72,297 a year gives the same standard of living in Chicago.
Where do people earn more, Brownsville or Chicago?
The typical household earns $56,222 in Brownsville and $84,017 in Chicago, 33% more in Chicago.