City Comparison · Updated May 2026
United States
COL index 78.4
United States
COL index 82.4
Austin vs Chicago — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Austin is 4.9% cheaper than Chicago for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Austin | Metric | Chicago | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78.4 | Cost of living index | 82.4 | +5.1% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €41,511 | Net at €50,000 gross | €41,511 | 0.0% |
| €2,180 | Rent — 1BR centre | €2,480 | +13.8% |
| €3,091 | Monthly COL (single) | €3,461 | +12.0% |
| €52,947 | PPP — net / COL | €50,377 | -4.9% |
| 17.0% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 17.0% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in United States = €3,459 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Chicago, you would need roughly €52,679 gross in United States (≈ €3,636 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Lower rent (€2,180 vs €2,480)
- −High cost of living (index 78)
- +Favourable tax rate (17.0%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (63.0%)
- −High cost of living (index 82)
- +Favourable tax rate (17.0%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (71.7%)
The verdict
Across the data, Austin carries a lower cost-of-living index; Austin wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Austin edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Austin cheaper than Chicago?+
Austin is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Austin 78.4, Chicago 82.4 — a 4.9% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Austin and Chicago?+
Austin sits at 78.4 on our COL index, Chicago at 82.4. That works out to roughly 4.9% — Austin being the cheaper of the two.
Is Austin a good place to live compared to Chicago?+
It depends on priorities. Austin delivers €41,511 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 17.0% effective tax rate. Chicago delivers €41,511 at 17.0%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,180 vs €2,480.
How do salaries compare in Austin vs Chicago?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €41,511/year (€3,459/month) in Austin and €41,511/year (€3,459/month) in Chicago.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Chicago?+
United States has the lower effective rate at €50,000: United States 17.0%, United States 17.0%.