Chicago vs Houston

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Houston is roughly 3% more affordable than Chicago (index 73 vs 75, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Houston
More affordable overall
3% cheaper than Chicago · Cost index: 73 vs 75

Head-to-Head Stats

ChicagovsHouston
75Cost Index73✓
6,250✓Median Income /mo5,094
52✓Safety Index19
28Income Tax %0✓
940✓Internet (Mbps)145
350Coworking /mo250✓

Price Breakdown

ChicagoCategoryHouston
$2,368/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
43% ← cheaper
$1,350/month
$1.28/liter
Meal for One
12% cheaper →
$1.45/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
33% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$75/month
Monthly Transit Pass
20% ← cheaper
$60/month
$182/month
Utilities (Monthly)
9% cheaper →
$200/month
$150/visit
Doctor Visit
1% ← cheaper
$148/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Chicago

Internet940 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Houston

Internet145 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability45/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago cheaper than Houston?

Houston is cheaper than Chicago. Houston has a cost of living index of 73/100 compared to 75/100 for Chicago, making it roughly 3% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Houston than Chicago?

Houston is approximately 3% cheaper than Chicago based on cost index scores (73 vs 75, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Chicago could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,920/month in Houston.

What is the rent comparison between Chicago and Houston?

In Chicago, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,368/month. In Houston, the equivalent is around $1,350/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Chicago or Houston?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Chicago offers 940 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Houston offers 145 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Houston has a cost advantage of 3%.

What is the average income in Chicago vs Houston?

The median net monthly salary in Chicago is approximately $6,250 USD, compared to $5,094 USD in Houston.

Explore this comparison interactively

See radar charts, detailed category breakdowns, and compare any two cities in real time.

Open Interactive Comparison →Compare other cities

Free to start · No credit card needed

Full Chicago breakdown →Full Houston breakdown →