Austin vs Chicago

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $75,337 in Chicago.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Austin feels like $75,337 in Chicago. Moving would increase your purchasing power by 8%.

Income
Housing

Austin

Chicago

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
moderate
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,562/mo
 
$1,581/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
IL tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,514
Remote Work Fit
Austin is frequently explored by remote workers leaving coastal metros. The no-state-income-tax advantage is meaningful, though housing costs have risen toward moderate pressure levels.
 
Chicago is a strong remote work city for those who value urban density, transit, and cultural richness at costs substantially below coastal peers.
Walk Score
42
 
77
Comfortable
$60-80k · Austin vs Chicago
Income Reality Check

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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,803/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Austin, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

No city is objectively better. Austin and Chicago each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

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Austin profile Chicago profile Run Reality Check →
FAQ

Austin vs Chicago — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Austin or Chicago?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,562/mo in Austin and $1,581/mo in Chicago. Austin has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in Chicago to match Austin?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $75,337 in Chicago — a gain of about 8% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Austin and Chicago?

Austin is in TX (no state income tax) and Chicago is in IL (IL levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.

Which city has more breathing room?

Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.