Purchasing Power: Austin vs Chicago (2026)
See what your salary in Austin would feel like in Chicago — and what you'd need to earn to maintain the same lifestyle.
From City
Your Gross Salary in Austin
To City
⚠️ Living in Chicago costs 15.1% more than Austin
Monthly Cost of Living: Austin vs Chicago
| Category |  Austin | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Rent | $1,900 | $2,300 |
| 🛒 Groceries | $420 | $430 |
| 🍽️ Eating Out | $240 | $250 |
| 🚌 Transport | $90 | $105 |
| ⚡ Utilities | $170 | $160 |
| Total Essentials | $2,820 | $3,245 |
To match your lifestyle in Austin on $100,000/year, you need approximately $113,157/year gross in Chicago.
That's $9,430/month gross, or roughly $54/hour.
Austin
Monthly Net: $6,702
Monthly Expenses: $2,820
Disposable: $3,882
Savings Rate: 57.9%
Chicago (estimated)
Monthly Expenses: $3,245
To match disposable: $7,127 net/month needed
Equivalent gross: $113,157/year
Compare other city pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
How far does $100,000 go in Chicago compared to Austin?
A monthly lifestyle that costs $2,820 in Austin will cost approximately 115.1% of that amount in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my lifestyle in Austin?
To maintain the same disposable income and lifestyle as earning $100,000/year in Austin, you would need to earn approximately $113,157/year gross in Chicago.
Is Chicago cheaper than Austin to live in?
No, Chicago is more expensive than Austin. Monthly essential costs are $3,245 in Chicago versus $2,820 in Austin — 15.1% more.