Quick answer
Overall prices in the Chicago, IL metro were 103.6 vs 98.1 in Austin, TX in 2024 (US = 100), so Chicago is 5.6% more expensive than Austin; housing rents differ by 7% (112.0 vs 120.4). A $75,000 income in Chicago buys about what $70,997 buys in Austin, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Chicago | Austin | Chicago vs Austin |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 103.6 | 98.1 | +5.6% |
| Goods | 107.3 | 93.8 | +14.4% |
| Housing (rents) | 112.0 | 120.4 | -6.9% |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 82.0 | +1.9% |
| Other services | 100.5 | 96.2 | +4.4% |
| All items, 2008 | 105.4 | 99.6 | +5.9% |
| $50,000 in Chicago equals in Austin | $47,331 | ||
| $100,000 in Chicago equals in Austin | $94,663 | ||
| $150,000 in Chicago equals in Austin | $141,994 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.