Houston vs Chicago

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Chicago is roughly 19% more affordable than Houston (index 75 vs 93, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Chicago
More affordable overall
19% cheaper than Houston · Cost index: 75 vs 93

Head-to-Head Stats

HoustonvsChicago
93Cost Index75✓
4,800Median Income /mo6,250✓
35Safety Index52✓
10✓Income Tax %28
313Internet (Mbps)940✓
274✓Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

HoustonCategoryChicago
$1,225/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
48% cheaper →
$2,368/month
$1.15/liter
Meal for One
10% cheaper →
$1.28/liter
$12/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
33% cheaper →
$18/meal
$65/month
Monthly Transit Pass
13% cheaper →
$75/month
$185/month
Utilities (Monthly)
2% ← cheaper
$182/month
$200/visit
Doctor Visit
25% ← cheaper
$150/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Houston

Internet313 Mbps
Coworking$274/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability48/100

Chicago

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Houston cheaper than Chicago?

Chicago is cheaper than Houston. Chicago has a cost of living index of 75/100 compared to 93/100 for Houston, making it roughly 19% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Chicago than Houston?

Chicago is approximately 19% cheaper than Houston based on cost index scores (75 vs 93, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Houston could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,419/month in Chicago.

What is the rent comparison between Houston and Chicago?

In Houston, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,225/month. In Chicago, the equivalent is around $2,368/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Houston offers 313 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$274/month. Chicago offers 940 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Chicago has a cost advantage of 19%.

What is the average income in Houston vs Chicago?

The median net monthly salary in Houston is approximately $4,800 USD, compared to $6,250 USD in Chicago.

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