Moving from Chicago to Austin (2026)
Austin has a COL index of 122 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 14% more for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Austin to match your Chicago lifestyle
Based on the 14% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|
| $40K | $45,607 |
| $50K | $57,009 |
| $60K | $68,411 |
| $75K | $85,514 |
| $80K | $91,215 |
| $100K | $114,019 |
| $120K | $136,822 |
| $150K | $171,028 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Chicago vs Austin
| Expense | Chicago | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,434 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,800 |
| Groceries | $388 | $372 |
| Transport | $105 | $50 |
| Utilities | $165 | $170 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,811 | $2,284 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $166 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Chicago — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin cheaper than Chicago?
No. Austin has a cost of living index of 122 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). That's about 14% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Chicago to Austin?
On a $75K salary, moving from Chicago to Austin saves roughly $406/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,872/year.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Chicago lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Chicago, you'd need roughly $85,514/year in Austin. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only