Moving from Chicago to Houston?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Chicago lifestyle in Houston, you'd need to earn:
$71,380/year
▼ $3,620 less than you make now
| Category | Chicago | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $71,380 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$7,318 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,426 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,035 |
| State Tax | -$3,713 | -$0 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,436 | $58,602 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -4.8% in Houston
- Housing is -6.7% in Houston
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $3,713/year in taxes in Houston
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~942 miles
DIY Truck
$3,000
Container
$5,000
Full-Service
$7,000
Salary Equivalents: Chicago to Houston
| Your Chicago Salary | Houston Equivalent | Difference | Houston Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $38,069 | -$1,931 | $32,627 |
| $50,000 | $47,587 | -$2,413 | $40,275 |
| $60,000 | $57,104 | -$2,896 | $47,922 |
| $75,000 | $71,380 | -$3,620 | $58,602 |
| $100,000 | $95,174 | -$4,826 | $75,341 |
| $150,000 | $142,761 | -$7,239 | $108,330 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Chicago and Houston Compare
Housing (7% cheaper in Houston)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Houston rents for $1,129/month compared to $1,975/month in Chicago. Median home prices: $335,000 in Houston vs $374,000 in Chicago.
Taxes
Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax. Texas has no state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Houston would save you about $3,713/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Houston's overall cost of living is 4.8% lower than Chicago, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Chicago: 103.6, Houston: 98.6.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Chicago to Houston move. Average cost: $3,000–$7,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Houston
Average 1BR rent in Houston: $1,129/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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