Moving from Austin to Chicago?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Austin lifestyle in Chicago, you'd need to earn:
$79,205/year
▲ $4,205 more than you make now
| Category | Austin | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $79,205 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$9,039 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,911 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,148 |
| State Tax | -$0 | -$3,921 |
| Take-Home Pay | $61,149 | $60,186 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is +5.6% in Chicago
- Housing is -7.0% in Chicago
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd pay $3,713/year in taxes in Chicago
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~980 miles
DIY Truck
$3,000
Container
$5,000
Full-Service
$7,000
Salary Equivalents: Austin to Chicago
| Your Austin Salary | Chicago Equivalent | Difference | Chicago Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $42,243 | +$2,243 | $33,890 |
| $50,000 | $52,803 | +$2,803 | $41,852 |
| $60,000 | $63,364 | +$3,364 | $49,815 |
| $75,000 | $79,205 | +$4,205 | $60,186 |
| $100,000 | $105,607 | +$5,607 | $77,453 |
| $150,000 | $158,410 | +$8,410 | $111,185 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Austin and Chicago Compare
Housing (7% cheaper in Chicago)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Chicago rents for $1,975/month compared to $1,549/month in Austin. Median home prices: $374,000 in Chicago vs $400,000 in Austin.
Taxes
Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Chicago would cost you about $3,713/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Chicago's overall cost of living is 5.6% higher than Austin, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Austin: 98.1, Chicago: 103.6.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Austin to Chicago move. Average cost: $3,000–$7,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Chicago
Average 1BR rent in Chicago: $1,975/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
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