The Verdict
Living in Austin is 3% cheaper than Chicago.
If you move from Austin to Chicago, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Austin, you would need to earn about $78,462 in Chicago.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Austin:
Why people love Chicago:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Austin | Chicago | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,100 | $1,925 | $-175 |
| Monthly groceries | $396 | $383 | $-13 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $298 | $280 | $-18 |
| Public transport pass | $130 | $117 | $-13 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $210 | $190 | $-20 |
| Total Monthly | $3,134 | $2,895 | $-239 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (3% cheaper)
- Prioritize safety (score: 75/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($4,500/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Are looking for more affordable housing
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Chicago to match a Austin salary
| Salary in Austin | Equivalent in Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $52,308 | $2,308 more |
| $75,000 | $78,462 | $3,462 more |
| $100,000 | $104,615 | $4,615 more |
| $125,000 | $130,769 | $5,769 more |
| $150,000 | $156,923 | $6,923 more |
| $200,000 | $209,231 | $9,231 more |
Austin vs Chicago: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 3%. Austin is the more affordable option.
Rent: Austin has a rent index of 60, while Chicago has 55.
Average Salaries: Austin: $4,500/month vs Chicago: $4,200/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Austin wins 1, while Chicago wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.