Moving from Chicago to Austin — What It Really Costs
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFHousing difference
Median 1BR rent in Austin is $1,562/mo vs $1,581/mo in Chicago — a difference of $19/month ($228/year).
Salary difference — purchasing power
Your $70,000 in Chicago feels like approximately $65,041 in Austin — a purchasing power reduction of 7%.
Tax difference
On a $70,000 salary, take-home in Austin is about $57,631/year vs $54,166/year in Chicago — a gain of $3,465/year from state income tax differences.
Breathing room comparison
Chicago
Austin
Should I move? The bottom line
Moving from Chicago to Austin changes your monthly housing by about $19 and your annual take-home by about $3,465. Your money won't stretch as far — purchasing power falls about 7%, so aim for a higher salary to hold your standard of living.
This is a picture, not a verdict.
Moving Chicago → Austin — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Austin?
Yes — median 1BR rent in Austin ($1,562/mo) is lower than in Chicago ($1,581/mo). Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in Austin?
To match the purchasing power of $70,000 in Chicago, you'd need roughly $65,041 in Austin, after housing and taxes. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR, Tax Foundation 2025.
What is the cost of living difference between Chicago and Austin?
Median 1BR rent differs by about $19/month, and take-home on a $70,000 salary differs by about $3,465/year due to state taxes. This is a picture, not a verdict.