salaryHouston is 5% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Houston to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$1,533
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,499
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$69,901
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$277,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
98.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$4,198
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$157
👥 People living there
2,711,226
2,328,253
Commute to work
33.1 min
27.2 min
College degree
44.3%
36.6%
Own their home
46%
42.1%
Below poverty line
16.8%
19.9%
Unemployment
8%
6.9%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
- Pick Houston for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $102,350 | $59,180 | -42% in Houston |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $61,300 | -41% in Houston |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $49,670 | -38% in Houston |
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $74,570 | -31% in Houston |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $31,200 | $22,080 | -29% in Houston |
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $59,120 | -29% in Houston |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $58,940 | -24% in Houston |
| Nursing Assistant | $46,940 | $37,970 | -19% in Houston |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Houston cheaper to live in?
Houston is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,533 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Houston to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $57,124 a year gives the same standard of living in Houston.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Houston?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $69,901 in Houston, 20% more in Chicago.