Quick answer
Overall prices in the Chicago, IL metro were 103.6 vs 98.6 in Houston, TX in 2024 (US = 100), so Chicago is 5.0% more expensive than Houston; housing rents differ by 7% (112.0 vs 104.5). A $75,000 income in Chicago buys about what $71,405 buys in Houston, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Chicago | Houston | Chicago vs Houston |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 103.6 | 98.6 | +5.0% |
| Goods | 107.3 | 100.6 | +6.6% |
| Housing (rents) | 112.0 | 104.5 | +7.2% |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 95.3 | -12.3% |
| Other services | 100.5 | 95.6 | +5.1% |
| All items, 2008 | 105.4 | 99.4 | +6.0% |
| $50,000 in Chicago equals in Houston | $47,603 | ||
| $100,000 in Chicago equals in Houston | $95,206 | ||
| $150,000 in Chicago equals in Houston | $142,809 |
Related
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- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Indianapolis, IN (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Jacksonville, FL (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Kansas City, MO (2024)
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- Cost of living: Los Angeles, CA vs Chicago, IL (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.