Cost of Living: Chicago vs Houston (2026)
Compare cost of living: Chicago vs Houston. Rent, groceries, transport, and salary equivalents. Houston is 26% cheaper.
Chicago is approximately 26% more expensive than Houston overall. Moving from Chicago to Houston could save you $6000+/year in rent alone. This comparison breaks down every major expense category so you can decide where your money goes further.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
Compare cost of living Chicago vs Houston including housing, groceries, transportation, and taxes. This comparison calculator shows whether Chicago or Houston is more affordable and how far your salary stretches in each city.
| Category | Chicago | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 131 | 104 | +26% |
| Median 1BR Rent | $1,850/mo | $1,350/mo | +$500 |
| Median Salary | $62,000 | $58,000 | +$4,000 |
| Groceries (weekly) | $95 | $88 | +$7 |
| Transportation (monthly) | $105 | $100 | +$5 |
Index base: 100 = national average. Use our Cost of Living Calculator for a personalized comparison.
Salary Needed to Maintain Your Lifestyle
If you earn $75,000 in Chicago, you would need approximately $59,542 in Houston to maintain the same standard of living. Conversely, $75,000 in Houston requires $94,471 in Chicago.
| Salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $39,695 |
| $75,000 | $59,542 |
| $100,000 | $79,389 |
| $125,000 | $99,237 |
| $150,000 | $119,084 |
Compare take-home pay: Take-Home Pay Calculator
Housing Deep Dive
Housing is the biggest cost difference. Median 1-bedroom rent is $1,850 in Chicago vs $1,350 in Houston — $500/month or $6,000/year. If buying, use our Home Affordability Calculator to compare purchasing power in each city.